
Mr. Eastman in Costume. 



AMONG THE 



AMANCHES and^PACHES. 



JkK y^UTOBIOGRAPHY. 



to I 



JERSEY CITY, N. J. <j 
PUBLISHED BY CLARK JOHNSON, M.D. 
1873. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S73, by 
Clark Johnson, M.D., Jersey City, H". J., 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



t*7 



LANGE, LlHLE & HlLLMAN, 
FEINTEES, ELECTROTYFEES AND STEEEOTYPERS, 

108 to 114 Woostee Street, N. Y. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER. PAGE. 

I. Introductory 5 

II. The Capture 13 

III. A Strange Adventure 22 

IV. Again a Prisoner 30 

V. The Indian Town 39 

VI. The Torture 47 

VII. Wa-ko-met-kla 57 

VIII. A New Vocation 68 

IX. The "Mystery Bag" 78 

X. Indian Life 86 

XI. Mrs. Eastman's Story 95 

XII. Mrs. Eastman's Story Continued 103 

XIII. Mrs. Eastman's Story Continued Ill 

XIV. Hopes and Fears— an Adventure 119 

XV. Treed by a Grizzly 125 

XVI. Some Curious Customs 134 

XVII. The Buffalo Dance 142 

XVIII. A Strange History 150 

XIX. A Strange History Continued 159 

XX. The Buffalo Hunt 171 



'4 



CHAPTEB. PAGE. 

XXI. Mrs Eastman's Stoey Continued 184 

XXII. Feasts, Fasts, and Facts 192 

XXIII. The War Party 208 

XXIV. My First Scalp 222 

XXV. The Feast op the Green Corn 233 

XXVI. Danger Ahead 242 

XXVII. The Escape 249 

XXVIII. A New Departure 263 

XXIX. The "Vigilants" 277 

XXX. Conclusion 289 



/ 



SEVEN AtfB NINE YEARS 

AMONG THE CAMANCHES AND APACHES. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



fX making my bow to the public as an author, I 
feel it incumbent upon me to make a brief ex- 
1^ planation of the motives that induced me to at- 
^ tempt this autobiographical sketch of nine years 
of my life. At intervals during the past decade, the 
country has been electrified by the recital of some 
horror perpetrated by Indians on white travelers, 
and those, who, having journeyed to the Far "West, 



8 



had settled, intending to make the wilderness blossom 
like the rose. Through the medium of the press, the 
details of these heart-rending cruelties were widely dis- 
seminated, and aroused the just indignation of all 
peaceful and order-loving citizens. To such an extent 
did popular feeling rise at times, that farmers and 
drovers on the border, organized themselves into 
bands, and on the report of some fresh outrage hast- 
ened to the scene, pursued the perpetrators of the deed, 
and not unfrequently visited upon the Indians a 
vengeance ofttimes of a very sanguinary character. 

In these forays of the savages, they frequently car- 
ried off to their mountain fastnesses women and chil- 
dren, who were never heard of more. Thus, when 
our feelings were harrowed up by the report of 
butcheries, the tales of life-long suffering of the for- 
lorn captives were scarcely ever known. Snatched 
ruthlessly from the bosom of their families, they were 
mourned for a time and then they, by slow degrees, 
faded from the memory of their friends and relatives, 
and when thought of at all, it was as of those dead. 
In these chapters I will detail the trials and suffer- 
ings of such as these, believing that the experiences 
of my wife and myself, dining our captivity among 
the Camanches and Apaches, will serve as a prototype 
of many similar cases. 

It was some time, and with not a little persuasion 
before I could be induced to overcome the diffidence 
I felt about making my private history public, and ap- 



7 



pearing in print. By those who have become authors, 
my feelings will be understood and appreciated ; but 
to others who constitute the reading public it would 
be impossible to describe the trepidation with which 
the tyro puts forth his first literary venture, and had 
it not been for the earnest entreaties of my esteemed 
friend, Dr. Clark J ohnson, who used naively to say 
that what was a source of such pleasure to him must 
be entertaining to the public, I doubt very much if I 
should have ever put pen to paper in the capacity of 
an author. 

"With this introduction, I will, as briefly as may be, 
relate my experiences, nothing extenuating, and set- 
ting down naught in malice. 

My family were originally from Massachusetts, my 
father being a descendant of the Puritans, he in- 
herited many of the qualities of his ancestors, and, 
joined to a high integrity, he possessed a dogged 
will that at times amounted to stubbornness. From 
childhood he had led the life of a farmer, and my 
earliest recollections are associated with country life. 
My father's disposition might be characterized as 
restless; and after sojourning for a time in one 
place, he would evince symptoms of uneasiness which 
would result in the family moving to some new spot, 
and breaking ground in virgin soil on the confines 
of civilization. By these successive removals we 
soon found ourselves far to the west of the home of 
our ancestors, and at the time my father resolved to 



8 



go to California, we owned a very nice farm in Mis 
souri, and as far as I conld see were very comfort 
ably situated. On returning from the county seat 
one Saturday, my father electrified us with the in- 
telligence that he thought seriously of going West. 
Had a bombshell exploded in our midst it could 
scarcely have created greater consternation ; on in- 
quiring what had induced such a sudden determina- 
tion on his part, he was fain to confess that he had 
met a gentleman in town who had but just arrived 
from the new El Dorado, and who spoke so en- 
thusiastically of this marvelous country, that he led 
my father's too diligent ear captive, and his mind 
was saturated with the desire to see, without further 
delay, this wonderful land. The rest of the family 
stoutly objected to such a hasty resolve, and we final- 
ly effected a compromise, and it was agreed that the 
stranger should be invited to spend a portion of his 
time at our house, and during his visit we could con- 
sult, argue, and finally conclude what action should 
be taken in the matter. 

I had serious misgivings that our fair home was 
doomed ; knowing too well my father's character, and 
that any objections we might make to the proposed 
departure would only strengthen his determination to 
have his' own way. Such was his intense love for the 
unknown, that any plausible fellow could induce him 
to see the advantages of owning a thousand acres of 
wild land to his' own well-tilled homestead. 



9 



The following week Mr. Terlinne made his advent 
among us. He was a fair type of the adventurer, and 
seemed a man who could be equal to any emergency 
circumstances might demand ; of robust form, a com- 
plexion bronzed by exposure, and with an address so 
pleasing when he wished to exert himself, that he 
soon became a favorite, especially with the female 
portion of the family. He adapted himself to our 
mode of life with wonderful ease, and apparently was 
making preparations for a visit that should outlast our 
expectations. The beauties and advantages of a home 
in his adopted State was his constant theme ; and so 
pleasantly did he talk, illustrating his arguments with 
anecdotes so amusing and apposite, that I felt myself 
being perceptibly influenced by his views, and used to 
dream of climbing trees of prodigious height, and 
gathering nuggets from their branches as if they 
were apples. When lending an assisting hand at our 
* farm labors, he would descant on the fertility of the 
soil on the Pacific Slope, saying that crops grew almost 
spontaneously, and related what fortunes could be 
made raising sheep. 

By such means were we seduced into the conviction 
that a change of base was not only advantageous, but 
necessary, and it was finally decided to go. Mr. Ter- 
hune said he could negotiate an exchange, by which 
we could dispose of our farm for California real 
estate, whereby we would be the gainers; and one 
Monday morning in April, he left us for St. Louis, to 



.10 

complete the trade and purchase. Our intentions be- 
coming known in the vicinity, our neighbors seemed 
to take an especial interest in our movements, and 
many were the staid old farmers who called to offer 
us their advice and wishes for our future prosperity. 
Being notified that all was in readiness, and that we 
could start as soon as it suited our convenience, we 
lost no time in packing what few articles we required, 
and bidding our friends adieu, we commenced our 
journey. 

Arriving in St. Louis, we were greeted by Mr. Ter- 
hune who escorted us to the Planters' Hotel, where 
we were temporarly, to reside until the steamboat on 
which we were to embark was ready to leave. The 
few days spent in the metropolis of the West, was 
thoroughly enjoyed by our little party, as under the 
guidance of our friend we visited all the places of in- 
terest in the neighborhood. On Saturday, April 30th, 
we embarked on the steamboat Prairie Flower, 
bound for Independence, where we were to make the 
necessary purchases for our outfit in crossing the 
plains, and were also to join a train that was being 
formed, and of which we were to become part and 
parcel. After an uneventful journey we reached In- 
dependence, only to find that the train we expected 
to join had left two days previously; here was a 
dilemma, and we were at a loss what to do. I was in 
favor of waiting uritil another train could be formed, 
but father objected, stating as his reasons, that it would 



11 



consume both time and money ; neither of which did 
we possess in vast quantities. Meantime we had be- 
come the centre of attraction to quite a motley crowd, 
who stood looking on, and seemed to take a lively in- 
terest in us, criticising our appearance and indulging 
in various remarks which were not always of a com- 
plimentary character. Noticing an old weather-beaten 
frontiersman, who stood some little distance off, and 
thinking he could perhaps suggest a way out of our 
difficulty, I made up to him, and after the usual salu- 
tations and a proffer of some tobacco, to which he 
helped himself in rather large quantities, I asked him 
his opinion, and what he thought we had best do under 
the circumstances. 

Drawing his lank form out of the entanglement it 
seemed to have been in, he delivered himself in some- 
what the following manner : 

" Wal stranger, pears to me, I would jist git rite 
arter that ere party, quicker'n greased lightning, kase 
you see, they haint been gone long, and if you drive 
yer animiles rite smart, you will ketch up in jist no 
time." 

This advice struck me as excellent, and returning 
to our party I communicated it to them. "We resolved 
to adopt it at once, only wondering we had not thought 
of it before. 

Having come to this determination, we busied our- 
selves with the necessary preparations, and on the 
third day after the departure of the train, we bade 



12 



adieu to the few acquaintances made during our brief 
sojourn at Independence, and struck out upon the 
almost trackless prairie. 

Our equipment was that in general use among 
prairie travelers, and consisted of a " Concord w wagon, 
covered with white canvas, and drawn by six mules, 
in the management of which rather intractable ani- 
mals my father was an adept. In the wagon were 
stored our few household goods and scanty supply of 
provisions, and in it rode my wife and mother. My 
brother and myself figured as a mounted guard, and 
presented a not unpicturesque appearance in our tunics 
of dressed deerskin, and le^in^s of the same mate- 
rial ; our revolvers in our belts, and rifles slung over 
our shoulder, or resting on the pommels of our Mexi- 
can saddles. Everything seemed propitious; the 
wagon moved off smoothly, the morning was clear, 
and the great red disc of the sun just rising in the 
east had scarcely dispelled the haze that enveloped 
nature as in a fleecy mantle. We little dreamed, alas, 
of the dreadful fate soon to overtake us. That fate 
which was to dissever a loving and united family, 
causing three of its members to pass through the val- 
ley of the shadow of death, and subjecting the surviv- 
ors to suffering that often made them cry out in the 
bitterness of their hearts " why was I spared to suffer 
such torture, when death would have been such a 
welcome relief ! " 



CHAPTER II. 



THE CAPTURE. 

rE were now fairly started on our journey, and 
but for a singular feeling of depression which 
weighed down my spirits and seemed a presenti- 
ment of evil to come, I should have had little 
doubt of our ability to overtake the train and travel 
safely with it to our destination. This feeling, how- 
ever, caused me to become taciturn and apprehensive, 
so much so, that I was frequently rallied upon the 
subject by my companions. 

For many days, however, we followed the trail 
without special incident ; the tracks of wagons giving 
us an easy guide. ¥e found grass, wood and water 
in abundance, and traveling light and unimpeded by 
others, felt confident that we were gaining upon the 
train and would undoubtedly overtake them shortly. 

"We crossed several rivers and streams, most of 
them fordable, but one or two we found wide and 
deep and were compelled to float our wagon across. 
We saw some game, antelopes and deer, and shot a 
few, formiDg a welcome addition to our larder ; but 
they were generally shy and kept out of reach, with- 




14 



out wandering too far from the track. For two days 
wc had been journeying through an entirely differ- 
ent country from that which we had passed. It was 
almost a barren desert, treeless, without game, and, 
but little water ; on its hard surface the wagon wheels 
made scarcely an imprint, and it was with the great- 
est difficulty that we could take up the trail. The 
evening of the second day found us still on the road, 
as we could find no water, without which we could 
not camp. Before sunset we had noticed a low fringe 
along the horizon which looked like timber, and 
knowing there must be water there, determined to 
push on and reach it, if possible, before camping for 
the night. 

After a weary march we reached the edge of 
the desert plain, and found a small stream, clear but 
shallow ; its banks lined with tall cottonwood trees. 
Here we rested, and our tired animals fully appre- 
ciated the cool water and the luxuriant " gramma " 
grass which abounded. 

While standing watch, a precaution we never 
neglected, I fancied I heard a distant rifle shot, and 
roused my father and brother, fearing Indians might 
be near at hand, for we were now in very dangerous 
countiy, and father declared that he had seen " In- 
jun sign " the day previous, but a scout through the 
cottonwood grove revealed nothing, and as the sound 
was very faint and was not repeated,* we concluded 
it was only fancy ; father muttering as he .crawled 



15 



under his blanket that I" was getting too almighty 
scarey for a backwoodsman. 

This incident however aroused those apprehensive 
feelings that had before troubled me, but which had 
been quieted for a time by the uneventful nature of 
our journey. "We were not again disturbed that 
night, but at sunrise we made a discovery that 
filled us with dismay — We had lost the trail ! This 
we were convinced was the result of our night jour- 
ney, and father was confident that we could recover 
it ; but, when after several hours spent in a fruitless 
endeavor to find where it crossed the stream, I urged 
that we should take our own trail back to the point 
at which it diverged from that of the train, he posi- 
tively refused to do so ; declaring that he wasn't a 
greenhorn to get scared at so small a matter, and that 
he should push on in a southwesterly direction, and 
take his chance of intersecting the trail, he asserting 
that we must have strayed to northward of it. 
My brother and myself protested against so rash an un- 
dertaking, but in vain ; and we finally started on what 
was destined to be our last day's journey together. 

Our route now lay across a verdant and apparently 
boundless prairie. Far as the eye could reach it was 
a level plain, without landmarks, trackless as the sea, 
covered with a living carpet of emerald green. At 
another time I could have spent hours in gazing upon 
its vast expanse, and fancying its changed appearance 
when its surface should be furrowed by the plow and 



16 



its fruitful soil reward the farmers labor ; but the 
presentiment of evil which I found it impossible to 
shake off, oppressed my spirits rendering me anxious 
and fearful. 

A few moments took us out of sight of the cotton- 
wood grove, and but for the aid of father's pocket 
compass we could have had little idea of our direction, 
but by its assistance we traveled steadily in a south- 
westerly course, father being confident that we had 
strayed north of the trail and that by taking this 
course we must sooner or later regain it. Until neariv 
noon we kept steadily on, seeing nothing to indicate 
that we were near the trail. Just before noon we 
halted to rest and feed the animals and prepare a meal 
for ourselves. 

The morning had been sultry and we were all suffi- 
ciently fatigued to find a brief rest very acceptable. 
Refreshed by half an hour's rest, we were preparing 
to start, when my brother who had moved off in ad- 
vance, suddenly exclaimed, " father s right after all, 
there are mounted men ahead, it must be the train ! " 
Animated by the hope that our solitary wanderings 
were nearly over and our perils past, we pushed ahead, 
urging our animals forward with all possible speed. 

The distant horsemen were moving parallel to our 
route, and apparently had not perceived us. TTe 
shouted and fired our rifles, a commotion was visible 
among them, they halted, wheeled, and a number sud- 
denly galloped towards us with the speed of the 



IT 



wind. My brother, who had ridden far ahead of us 
swinging his cap and hallooing loudly, suddenly pull- 
ed up his horse and with a cry of terror rode back to 
us with his utmost speed. We were not long at a loss 
to understand the meaning of this proceeding ; as he 
neared us his warning shout of Indians ! Indians ! 
was borne to us upon the breeze. But it needed not 
that to apprise us of our peril ; ere he reached us the 
advancing horsemen had approached so near that we 
could plainly, see instead of the friends we sought, a 
horde of hideous savages, naked to the waist, besmear- 
ed with war paint in many strange devices, their tall 
lances waving, their ornaments glittering in the sun 
— on, on they came, giving vent to the most blood- 
curdling veils it had ever been mv fortune to hear. 

In this desperate strait my father alone preserved 
his coolness; the warlike spirit of the old frontiers- 
man was roused in an instant. With halitnino'-like 
rapidity he had unhitched his team and so disposed 
them with our horses and the wagon as to form a sort 
of square, the horses and mules were tied together 
and to the wagon, thus avoiding the danger of their 
being stampeded. Inside this square we placed our- 
selves, and levelling our rifles across the backs of our 
living bulwark awaited the attack. My poor mother 
and wife, terrified almost to the verge of insensibility, 
we compelled to he down in the bottom of the 
wagon, and so arranged its cargo as to protect them 
from any strav shot which might strike it. 



18 



At first it seemed that the savages intended to ride 
us down by sheer force of numbers, which they might 
easily have done ; but our determined aspect and the 
three shining tubes aimed at them, each ready to send 
forth its leaden messenger of death, evidently changed 
their determination ; for before getting within range, 
their headlong gallop became a moderate lope, then a 
walk, and they finally halted altogether. A short 
council followed, during which we had an excellent 
opportunity to observe our foes, and concert our plans 
for defence. Father cautioned us to hold our fire un- 
til absolutely certain of our mark, and that, if possi- 
ble, but one must fire at a time, as it was of the ut- 
most importance to be prepared for a sudden dash. 
We examined the loading of our rifles and pistols, put 
on fresh caps, and with wildly beating hearts and nerves 
strained to their utmost tension, awaited the onslaught. 

Our enemies now seemed to have arrived at some 
determination, for their consultation was at an end — 
an old Indian who, from his dignified bearing and au- 
thoritative manner appeared to be their chief, made a 
sign with his hand, and spoke a few words in a loud 
tone. The incessant jabbering which they had kept 
up from the moment they halted instantly ceased, and 
one after another a number of young warriors, per- 
haps twenty, rode out in single file upon the prairie. 
After gaining a distance of about one hundred yards 
from the main body they increased the intervals sepa- 
rating them to some fifty paces, and then inclining the 



course so as to form a soil: of half circle, they increased 
their speed and came on with the evident intention of 
circling round us. 

These manoeuvres had not escaped our notice, but 
neither my brother nor myself understood their import. 
That my father did so, however, was evident. 

" Surround ! " he muttered, the instant the move- 
ment began. " I thought they'd try it, blame their 
ugly pieters." " Now boys," he continued, " keep 
cool and keep your eyes skinned, don't throw away a 
shot, and don't fire 'till I give the word." He then 
explained the method of this peculiar stratagem of 
Indian warfare. The twenty picked men were about 
to ride around us in a circle, at top speed, delivering 
flights of arrows as they passed, their object being to 
disconcert us and draw our fire ; our guns once empty, 
the main body whom we observed held themselves in 
readiness, would ride in, and by a sudden dash, end 
the skirmish by our death or captivity. 

Father's warning was delivered in far less time than 
it has taken to write this — and it was barely concluded 
before the attacking party were circling round us, ut- 
tering their vengeful war cries, and gradually drawing 
nearer and nearer. Standing back to back, we watched 
their every movement, my brother and myself expect- 
ing every moment to have an opportunity to tumble 
one or more of the bold riders from their horses ; 
but a few seconds showed us the futility of this. As 
they came within range, each Indian disappeared be- 



20 



hind the tody of his horse. A hand grasping the with- 
ers of the horse, and a foot just showing above his 
back, were all that could be seen — perhaps a painted 
face would be seen for an instant under the horse's 
neck, but instantly disappearing — while the hiss of an 
arrow would tell that the rider had sped the shaft to 
its mark ; the horse all the while going at fall gallop. 
At no moment could any one of us have fired with any 
chance of hitting an Indian. The horses we could 
have shot without difficulty, but this was just what 
our enemies wanted. Could they but induce us to 
waste our fire upon the horses, we would soon be at then* 
mercy. So, with an effort, we restrained our inclina- 
tion to risk a shot, and watched their every movement 
with the cat-like vigilance of men who knew that 
their lives were trembling in the balance. 

Round and round went the circle of the hunt, flight 
after flight of arrows whistled past us, or spent their 
force against the wagon, still we were unharmed ; al- 
though our escapes were narrow and incessant. The 
mules and horses were struck repeatedly, but so tightly 
were they bound together with leathern thongs that 
not even death could separate them. As our torment- 
ors came around for the fifth time, one of the horses, 
stumbled and fell and rolled completely over, pitch- 
ing his rider headlong upon the prairie. Before he 
could regain his horse, father's rifle cracked and the 
unlucky equestrian rolled prone upon the ground with 
a bullet in his brain. 



21 



"That's one less," muttered father, grimly. "I 
thought I'd fetch ye, ye painted varmint." " Don't 
fire for your lives, boys," he continued, " 'till I'm 
loaded." They were the last words he ever uttered. 
Simultaneously with their utterance came the hiss of 
an Indian arrow, and with a deep groan he sank to 
the ground. Terror stricken, and with anguished 
hearts we raised him in our arms. Alas, the deadly 
aim had been too true ; the shaft, entering his right 
eye had penetrated the brain, and we saw at a glance 
that our dear father was no more. Hacked by con- 
tending emotions, we had almost forgotten our immi- 
nent peril ; as we turned to confront the foe, we saw 
that our hesitation had been fatal ; the red warriors 
were upon us like a living tide, and for a few seconds 
a wild melee followed ; we battled hand to hand with 
the desperation of fiends ; it was but for an instant ; 
my brave brother fell covered with wounds, and his 
death shriek was still ringing in my ears, when I re- 
ceived a blow upon the head which stretched me sense- 
less upon the ground. I seemed to experience the 
sensation of falling from a vast height, then came a 
sudden shock and all was blank. 



CHAPTEK III. 



A STRANGE ADVENTURE. 

rjT^HEIT consciousness returned, I found myself 
^ygj lying on the ground, tied hand and foot with 
thongs of buffalo hide ; I felt very sore and 
intensely thirsty. I had not quite yet collected 
my senses, and when my mind reverted to the scenes 
I had but just passed through, it was with a sickening 
sense of their horror that made me yeam for insensi- 
bility again. If I could only know what had been 
done with my wife ; had she met the same fate as my 
father and brother, or was she spared — spared, and 
for what — to be subjected to a captivity even worse 
than death, perhaps ? It would have been a great re- 
lief to have moved even so much as a finger, but being 
bound so tightly it was impossible to stir, and the 
thongs had in a great measure impeded the circula- 
tion, so that as I lay on my back, gazing pathetically 
at my feet, it seemed as if they were the appendages 
of another person, and that my tortures had be- 
gun by my being deprived of all that part of my 
body below my knees. By dint of much turning, I 
managed to get myself partly on my side, which 



23 



proved a great relief, besides affording an opportunity 
to look around roe and gain an idea of the state of 
affairs. 

Day was just breaking, and my captors were, with 
the exception of the sentinel, asleep. We were on the 
prairie, and I at once concluded that we must have 
left the scene of the fight and capture ; a small fire 
had been built, and the warrior who mounted 
guard was sitting with his legs crossed beneath him, 
seemingly gazing into the smouldering embers ; there 
was just enough light to discern his features, and I 
shuddered at their repulsiveness ; the hideous war 
paint was streaked most fantastically across his cheeks 
and forehead and over his body, for, with the excep- 
tion of a pair of abbreviated leggings he was quite 
nude. His scalp-lock was adorned with a profusion 
of eagles' feathers, and his wrists and arms were set 
off with bracelets. Dangling from his girdle was an 
object that thrilled me with anguish, as the long white 
hair covered here and there with dark red splashes, I 
knew at once to be the scalp of my dear, murdered 
mother. I had read of the noble red man, and like most 
romantic people, conceived a very touching picture of 
his manly beauty and majestic air. One needs but to 
be among them to have any such illusion dispelled. 
In my long residence with the tribe, I found some 
admirable traits, of which I will speak anon, but they 
had so many counterbalancing vices, that I do not 
think their best friends can say anything in their praise. 



24 



This book is a true narrative of my capture and 
sufferings, and if my readers do not find running 
through these pages, that sentimental gush about the 
noble red man, that we have been taught to believe 
was as much their attribute as they considered scalp- 
ing their prerogative, it is because I have been dis- 
abused of these ideas, by the stern reality of an ex- 
istence among them. I trust this digression will be 
excused, but when I stroke my chin, and feel the 
traces of their delicate attentions, my feelings are 
apt to get the better of my desire to entertain. 

Soon, however, the camp was stirring, and my friend 
at the fire roused himself and advanced toward me ; 
whipping out a knife from its sheath, he cut the 
thongs by which I was bound, and grasping my 
shoulder jerked me to an upright position and motion- 
ed me to follow him. I had not proceeded far, when, 
emerging from the coppice on the opposite side of 
the bivouac, I beheld my wife advancing towards me 
in the custody of an Indian. Reader, if you can im- 
agine meeting the being you loved best, after having 
supposed her cruelly butchered, you may have a 
faint conception of my feelings. "With a little cry of 
joy she rushed into my outstretched arms; sobbing 
like an infant. This demonstration of affection seem- 
ed not to the taste of our guards ; and with an ugh, 
we were admonished to follow them, and we were 
soon in the midst of a group who were dispatching 
their breakfast. Food was offered us, of which I ate 



25 



voraciously, after rny long fast ; not so my wife, how- 
ever, who could not as yet accustom her palate to the 
dried buffalo meat. 

Meantime preparations had been making to resume 
our journey. The horses were brought up, and in a 
shorter time than it takes to relate it we were under 
way, the party moving off in single file. I was allow- 
ed to ride my own horse, my wife following behind 
me on one of the mules. We were, as near as I could 
judge, about the centre of the party. In this fashion 
we proceeded during the forenoon. The prairie at 
this point was a succession of gentle undulations, 
covered with a rich velvety verdure ; and, had not my 
present circumstances been of such a depressing char- 
acter, the scene would have been inspiriting. Away 
to the far west, as far as the eye could see, this vast 
billowy plain extended, broken here and there by a 
grove of the stately cottonwood tree, whose long 
trunks, and silvery foliage was a pleasing contrast to 
the vivid green of the prairie. At intervals I had 
discerned dark objects on the horizon, but, being un- 
accustomed to note signs with that care and attention 
that is characteristic of those whose life is spent on 
the plains, I had paid no particular attention to them. 
Soon, however, I did observe a commotion at the 
head of the column, and after a brief halt and consul- 
tation among the chiefs, our speed was accelerated, 
and we struck into a canter. This " lope " as it is 
called, seems to be a gait peculiarly adapted to the 



26 



imi$tang\ as they will break into, and keep it up the 
entire day ; evincing no more distress tkan our or- 
dinary horse does in trotting leisurely. 

That something important was about to trans- 
pire, I felt certain, from the energetic way in which 
our captors spoke and gesticulated; I was not long 
left in doubt, as on reaching a slight eminence, a 
sight disclosed itself that I shall never forget ; 
and my blood thrills even now with the remem- 
brance of my first buffalo hunt. 

It may seem odd to talk of my first buffalo hunt, 
as the question would naturally be asked, how could 
a prisoner participate in a hunt ; the sequel will 
explain. 

The chiefs had halted, and the rear coming 
up, we were soon clustered in a group on this rising 
ground. Directly in front of us, at the distance of 
about three miles, I should judge, was an immense 
herd of buffaloes. The plain was positively black, so 
numerous were they. All unconscious of their foes, 
they were quietly grazing, while here and there a 
watchful old bull seemed to have stationed himself as 
an outpost, being in readiness, if needs were, to in- 
stantly communicate the signal of danger to the herd. 
It was a glorious sight ; even the horses shared in the 
excitement, and evinced as great a desire to partici- 
pate in the hunt as did their masters. Presently a 
warrior rode out from the main body a few paces and 
tossed the feather. This is done to note the direction 



of the wind, for such is the keenness of scent possess- 
ed by these animals, that they will take the alarm and 
become aware of the approach of an enemy at great 
distances. If the drove had discovered us at this dis- 
tance, am visions of fresh hump steak for supper 
would have resolved themselves into the dried meat 
of the morning. 

The wind being favorable, we commenced the ad- 
vance ; slowly at first, but gradually increasing our 
speed, until the horses were straining every muscle in 
their headlong race. Lances were slung, and bows 
and arrows got in readiness with an ease and expert- 
ness that was truly wonderful, considering our rapid 
riding. The bridles were dropped on the necks of the 
mustangs, the riders using their knees both as a steer- 
ing apparatus and a means of holding on. As near as 
I could understand, our guard was to keep as close to 
the hunters as was consistent with our safety, without 
joining in the fun. Everything went on smoothly, 
and we had approached to within a half mile of the 
herd before they noticed us. Soon, however, the old 
bulls scented the party, and with a snort and plunge 
they tore headlong towards the head of the drove, 
communicating the alarm as they ran. "With a yell 
the savages dashed on, horse and rider worked up to 
the highest pitch of excitement ; arrows began to fly, 
and here and there a cow would fall, or an enraged 
bull goaded to fury by a wound rush madly at his 
enemy, evidently bent on revenge of a most sanguin- 



28 



ary character. Our little party kept on the flank of 
the advancing drove, and our escort seemed to find it 
very irksome doing duty as guards, as with oft-re- 
peated ughs ! plainly expressive of disgust, they de- 
precated the luck that had singled them out to per- 
form such womanly duty. 

Suddenly, and with kaleidoscopic rapidity, the as- 
pect of affairs was changed ; for some unknown rea- 
son and without apparent cause, the buffaloes made a 
flank movement, and in a twinkling were dashing 
right toward us ; the mustangs, warned by experi- 
ence, toned and ran as if their lives were at stake, as 
they certainly were ; and the mule on which my wife 
was mounted, with an imitation that did her great 
credit, followed their example. My horse, being un- 
used to such scenes, seemed to ]ose his senses, and 
stood looking at the advancing animals in the most 
abject terror. Realizing at a glance my position, and 
feeling that instant action was demanded, I turned 
his head, and by word and heel urged him to run. 
On came these black brutes, sweeping over the 
ground like an animated hurricane. My poor horse 
was' laboring fearfully, and I knew that our destruc- 
tion was a matter of a few moments time only. Sud- 
denly my horse stumbled and flung me headlong to 
the ground, then all was bewilderment. I have an 
indistinct notion of lying on the prairie, and then like 
a great black wave, this surging mass of buffaloes 
seem to hover over me ; I was conscious of a sharp 



29 



and severe pain in my side, and then of being sud- 
denly lifted into space. When sufficiently collected 
to note my position, I found myself on the back of a 
huge buffalo bull, who, unaccustomed to this strange 
weight, was making frantic endeavors to clear him- 
self of the herd, which were wedged together with 
as much compactness as if they were one animal. If 
I had chosen to fall to the ground, it would have been 
impossible to do so ; but as such a feat would have 
been almost instant death, my readers will easily un- 
derstand I had no intention of trying the experiment. 
I turned by attention exclusively to seating myself 
firmly on my novel steed, and grasping my hands into 
the shaggy hair which covered his shoulders, braced 
myself for the most thrilling ride I had ever experi- 
enced. After a few violent plunges the bull cleared 
the herd, and tore at tremendous speed ; on, on until 
objects lost their character, and all seemed to be an 
indistinct haze. The buffalo had by this time carried 
me some distance from the main body, and was be- 
ginning to show signs of fatigue. If I was going to 
leave him, this was my opportunity; and quietly 
loosening my hold, I slipped off his rump on to the 
ground, and betook myself in an opposite direction as 
fast as I could go, and it was with feelings of relief 
and thankfulness that I had escaped so luckily from 
my first and only buffalo ride. 



CHAPTER IV. 



AGAIN A PRISONER. 

OOTSORJE and weary I wandered oyer the 
prairie, straining my eyes in every direction in 
the vain hope of beholding tlie white-topped 
wagons of the train. My late involuntary jour- 
ney had borne me far to the southward ; and, although 
my rapid progress had given me but little opportunity 
for observation, still I was convinced that the direc- 
tion in which I had. traveled was likely to bring me 
in the track of the prairie caravans. I was not with- 
out apprehension of again falling in with my late 
captors, and hardly knew whether I dreaded or de- 
sired it ; fully realizing that I had nothing to look 
forward to in that event but torture and death. Still 
I felt that to see once again the sweet face of my be- 
loved I would risk every peril, even though I was help- 
less to aid her, and to witness her sufferings would only 
add to the poignant anguish that tortured me. Racked 
by these thoughts, and with a despairing heart, I walked 
steadily on. The clay was now far spent, and I was be- 
ginning to experience the pangs of hunger, for I had 
eaten nothing since early morning ; but I suffered far 



31 



more from thirst, and for hours searched eagerly for 
water ; scanning the horizon in every direction for a 
sight of the fringe-like foliage, of the cotton-wood 
trees. Stiff and sore from my confinement of the 
night previous, and suffering intensely from the wound 
on my head, which had been entirely neglected, my 
progress grew slower, and when night settled over the 
prairie my search was still unsuccessful; and without 
food, water, or shelter, I sank exhausted to the earth. 
After a time sleep gave me a welcome oblivion ; but 
my rest was disturbed by troubled dreams, and the 
dawn found me but little refreshed. 

It was barely daylight when I again started. I felt 
weak and dizzy ; and the conviction, forced itself up- 
on me that I must find food and water before many 
hours, or perish — my life depended on my finding 
water — and notwithstanding my intense suffering, it 
was absolutely necessary to push forward in my search. 
My thoughts were momentarily diverted by a number 
of graceful animals that were advancing towards me ; 
when within about two hundred yards, they became 
affrighted and wheeling around scampered away, run- 
ning toward a clump of trees not far distant ; entering 
this grove, they disappeared from sight. I had heard 
many tales about this graceful little animal, the ante- 
lope; and among other things remembered, that to 
the weary and thirsty hunter traversing these bound- 
less plains, their presence was a sure indication that 
water was not far distant ; if these tales were true. 



32 



why then there was every probability that I might 
slake my burning thirst, which now had become ag- 
onizing torture, from some rivulet within the recesses 
of that wood ; animated by this thought I limped on 
with renewed energy. What had seemed so near to 
my vision was in reality quite distant, as I found in 
my endeavor to reach it ; for the sun had begun to 
decline behind the horizon when I reached the belt 
of timber. Entering this leafy solitude, I had not 
advanced many steps when my ears were gladdened by 
the sound of running water. With an exclamation of 
joy I ran to the banks of the arroyo (as by this name 
these little streams are called), and, falling on my 
knees, was drinking with that intense eagerness that 
is known only by those who, like myself, have felt the 
delirium of thirst. 

I was about to rise refreshed, when my gaze was 
riveted by a reflected image on the bosom of the 
creek that curdled the blood in my veins, and para- 
lyzed me with terror ; it was the image of a hideous 
Indian, bending over me with uplifted hand grasping 
a long, gleaming knife. I jumped up with a terrified 
scream, only to find myself in the rough grasp of a 
brawny savage, and completely at his mercy. With 
a malicious leer he motioned me to accompany him. 
Feeling sick at heart, and drooping under the weight 
of my new misfortune, I was led through the tangled 
undergrowth, and after a walk of about fifteen min- 
utes, we emerged into a small clearing, where I 



33 



found myself in the midst of a large party of Indians. 
My advent created no little excitement, and I was soon 
the centre of a circle of curious savages, who were 
more persistent than pleasing in their attentions. I 
saw at once that I had again fallen into the hands of 
the same party by whom I was first captured ; for 
among those who clustered around me, I recognized 
the old chief who had directed the attack upon us. 
He approached me in a menacing manner, and utter- 
ed some words in the Indian tongue. From his ges- 
tures I could guess at his meaning, and understood 
that he was threatening me for my supposed attempt 
to escape. He then gave some order, and I was in- 
stantly seized and conducted to the foot of a large 
tree ; my guards then bound me with a lariat and left 
me to my own reflections. 

My first thought was of my wife ; and as I had 
managed to place myself in a sitting posture against 
the tree, I was enabled to observe all that was passing, 
and to scan closely the groups around the camp fires. 
A few moments satisfied me that if in the camp, she 
was not visible ; and left me a prey to many horrid 
imaginings. 

The savages were mostly seated around the fires, 
roasting meat over the embers and eating it greedily, 
an occupation of which they never seemed to tire ; 
some were renewing the paint upon their bodies, and 
the grotesque striping and mottling showed in fantas- 
tic hues in the red and glaring light ; some were 



34 



smoking curious looking pipes of carved stones ; all 
were chattering, laughing and gesticulating like so 
many children. For a brief period I contemplated 
this wild scene with interest ; but it soon grew monot- 
onous, and my mind painfully reverted to my peril- 
ous position. 

In satisfying the greater desire for water, I had for a 
■time forgotten my craving for food, but it now return- 
ed upon me with redoubled force. The Indians had 
evidently forgotten that even prisoners must eat, and 
I concluded that it was best to call their attention to 
my necessities ; by a shout I attracted the attention 
of one of the warriors who was passing near me, and 
when he approached, I succeeded by gestures in mak- 
ing him understand my wants. Uttering a gutteral 
ugh ! and slapping his stomach he walked away, but 
returned in a few moments with a huge chunk of half 
cooked buffalo meat wliich he threw down before me, 
and unbinding my hands motioned me to eat. I did 
not need a second invitation, but fell to at once, and 
devoured it with such voracity, that my Indian friend 
seemed both astonished and amused. When I had 
finished he brought me water in a gourd, and again 
securing my hands, bound me fast to the tree and left 
me once more to myself. 

Fatigued by the hardships of the last two days, I 
soon fell asleep, and knew no more until I was 
awakened by a rough hand grasping my shoulder, and 
on opening my eyes saw that it was daybreak, and 



35 



the band were preparing to move. Ten minutes later 
I found myself mounted on a wiry looking mustang, 
securely tied, and my liorse led at the end of a lariat 
by the same Indian who had brought me food the 
evening previous. Looking about me, my eyes were 
soon gladdened by the sight of my wife, mounted be- 
hind an Indian warrior ; she saw me at the same in- 
stant, and with a cry of joy strove to break her bonds 
and rush to my embrace ; it was a vain effort, and 
only resulted in her receiving a blow from her savage 
custodian, which cowed her into silence. My feelings 
at this juncture can be better imagined than describ- 
ed ; but I could do nothing but endure as best I 
might, and hope that a day of reckoning would yet 
come, in which I should bitterly avenge all the 
wrongs I had experienced at the hands of the brutal 
savage, called in books, the " noble red man." For 
the present, there was nothing but submission and 
hope. 

I now saw to my surprise that we were not alone 
in our misfortune, many other captives, principally 
women and children, were with the party. From 
their costume I saw that they must be Mexicans, and 
at once concluded that the Indians had been on one 
of their periodical raids upon the Mexican frontier, 
and were on their return when they had accidentally 
fallen in with our little party. Evidently but a part 
of the band had taken part in our capture, for the at- 
tacking party were less than one hundred in number, 



36 



while I now counted over four hundred warriors. 

The chances of escape seemed more unlikely than 
ever ; and my heart sank as I observed their formid- 
able array. 

I must pass briefly over the incidents of our jour- 
ney for several days following. We passed through, 
a widely diversified country, and in spite of my men- 
tal and physical sufferings, I was greatly interested in 
its strange scenery. We passed over wade stretches 
of prairie, dotted here and there by mottes of timber, 
rising like islands from the sea-like plain ; we thread- 
ed tortuous defiles of the mountains ; and crawled, 
rather than rode, through terrific canons, whose per- 
pendicular walls of many colored rock, rising to the 
height of thousands of feet, shrouded the narrow pass 
in majestic gloom. At times we suffered greatly for 
food and water ; making one stretch of sixty miles 
across the desert, and reaching its border in a state 01 
utter exhaustion. 

On the seventh day after my recapture we climbed 
a low mountain range, and on reaching the crest saw 
before us a deep valley, walled in on every side by 
towering cliffs of milk-white-quartz ; its surface was 
level, or nearly so ; through its centre a crystal line 
indicated the presence of a small stream. A dense 
forest of pine fringed it on three sides ; vast herds of 
horses and cattle roamed over the plain, and cropped 
its luxuriant herbage. The valley was elliptical in 
form, and measured perhaps twelve miles in length 



37 



by f our or five in width ; at its upper extremity a 
group of strange looking structures were visible, of 
many forms and sizes; one towering far above the 
rest had the appearance of a huge pyramid. From 
the joyful exclamations of the Indians I felt confident 
that our journey was nearly at an end. The tired 
mustangs were urged forward, and half an hour later 
we entered a defilp, passed round the face of the cliff 
on a narrow ledge of rock, where two could not ride 
abreast, and emerged upon a platform from whence 
an easy descent led to the plain below. On reaching 
its grassy surface, the Indians set forward at full 
speed, uttering loud yells of delight and exultation ; 
and we could perceive many forms hastening down 
*he valley to meet us. The intervening space was 
Cjiiickly passed, and we soon stood among the strange 
barbaric structures which form the chief town of the 
Camanches. 

The captives were halted before the pyramidal 
building, which, from its great size and peculiar ap- 
pearance, I supposed to be the council house, or the 
dwelling of the chief. I afterwards learned that it 
was the temple, where they worship and sacrifice to 
the Sun-God ; for, like all the southern Indians, de- 
scendants of the ancient Aztecs, the Camanches wor- 
ship the sun and fire. 

But little time however, was given me for observa- 
tion or reflection. I was rudely jerked from my 
horse, and with the other male captives led into one 



38 



of the smaller lodges. Descending a rude ladder, we 
were placed in an underground apartment, and after 
being supplied with a scanty allowance of food, were 
again bound and left to silence and darkness. 

Again separated from my wife, and knowing but 
too well what treatment she would be likely to receive 
at the hands of the red demons, flushed with victory 
and spoil, I abandoned myself to the most gloomy 
reflections, which continued for many hours, untiL 
tardy sleep relieved me for a time from my self-im- 
posed torture. 



CHAPTEE V. 



THE INDIAN TOWN. 

0¥ long I should have lain in this semi- coma- 
tose state I know not, had I not been aroused 
by the Indian who seemed to have been ap- 
pointed my particular guard. Bringing me a 
portion of tasajo and an olla of water, he placed them 
on the ground beside me, and removing the thongs 
from my wrists left me to dispatch my unpalatable 
food as best I might ; at noon, and in the evening, 
he repeated the performance. "With the exception of 
this interruption I was left to my thoughts. My re- 
flections were of the bitterest and most gloomy nature. 
From my previous knowledge of the habits and charac- 
teristics of my captors I was assured that my fate was 
sealed ; and my death only a matter of time. These 
savages only captured male prisoners the better to en- 
joy their destruction. What astonished me most was 
that they had not put me to the torture on their arri- 
val at the village. The fate of my poor wife was the 
prof oundest mystery to me, as I had not seen or heard 
of her since our parting on entering the Indian town. 
While I was being conducted to my prison she was 



40 



hurried off to the other end of the village. The dark- 
ening gloom of my chamber infoimed me of the ap- 
proach of night ; and recognizing how important it 
■was for me to secure all the repose possible, I prepared 
to retire. The preparations were of the simplest 
character ; my feet being bound it was only necessary 
to stretch my form along the ground and I was in 
bed. I courted sleep with persistent endeavor ; but 
my mind was a prey to such agonizing reflections that 
the drowsy god held himself aloof. I counted back- 
wards, rolled my eyes from side to side in their sock- 
ets, and resorted to all the devices known to me, but 
with indifferent success. All through the night the 
howling of the village dogs, the wild note of the swan, 
and the dismal whoops of the gruya, could be heard ; 
and it is very difficult even under circumstances 
more favorable than those in which I was then placed to 
sleep with these noises ringing in one's ears. Later, 
when a long residence with the tribe had made me 
familiar with these sounds, and their causes, I was 
not unfrequently startled by them. My imagination 
was constantly dwelling on my approaching fate ; and 
I am sure I suffered enough mental agony to suffice 
for a score of physical deaths. The next morning my 
keeper made his entry, this time without any food for 
me, and I was at once struck by his altered looks ; he 
tvas oiled, and streaked with paint, from the crown of 
his head to his waist ; his head dress was composed of 
eagles' plumes stained red, and his limbs were encased 



4JL 



ill buckskin leggings, the seams of which, were fringed 
with long locks of hair, which attested to his prowess, 
as thej* were composed of scalp-locks taken from the 
heads of his enemies slain in battle ; the feet were 
encased in moccasins, embroidered with beads and the 
quills of the porcupine dyed in various colors ; from 
his neck was suspended a collar, made of the tusks of 
the'javali; his tomahawk hung gracefully from his 
waist, and a fine robe of jaguar-skins draped his back. 
Such a costume I felt sure was only worn on state oc- 
casions ; and his presence filled me with apprehen- 
sions. I was not long held in suspense, for stooping 
over me he quickly cut my fastenings, and motioning 
me to rise I was presently conducted up the ladder 
and out into the village street. 

Emerging from the darkness into the bright sun- 
light, I was at first unable to distinguish objects, but 
as soon as my eyes became accustomed to the glare, I 
was struck with astonishment at the scene of bustle 
and activity that met my gaze. Indian women, chil- 
dren, dogs and braves, were hurrying to and fro, seem- 
ingly intent on business of a most pressing and im- 
portant character. My appearance was the signal for 
a succession of howls and yah ! yahs ! from the assem- 
bled crowd. The women clustered around me and 
gave expression to their hate in kicks, pinches and 
jeers ; even the dogs snapped at my heels. After a 
walk of a few minutes, we cleared the skirts of the 
village, and shaping our course towards the river that 



42 



ran through the centre of the valley, I was soon 
among a crowd of other captives. They were com- 
posed of Mexicans, chiefly, and all bore evidence of 
the struggle they had passed through, before yielding 
up their liberty; their clothes were torn, disclosing 
here and there ugly gashes, from which the blood had 
not yet ceased to ooze. One man among them es- 
pecially attracted my attention. He was dressed in 
the costume of the mountain trapper, and his fur 
cap, fitting closely to his head, was a fit accompani- 
ment to his tunic and leggings of dressed deerskin ; 
his face had a peculiar expression which I could not 
account for, until I discovered that he had only one 
eye. At this time an Indian advanced toward us, 
bearing in his arms a quantity of small stakes ; I was 
at loss to understand what was to transpire, when I 
heard my one-eyed companion mutter under his 
breath, " drat 'em, they be a goin' to stake us." Sure 
enough, this was their intention ; seizing us one by 
one, they stretched us on the turf in three files, the 
heads of one file resting between the feet of the row 
above him ; driving the stakes firmly into the ground, 
they fastened thongs of raw hide to our wrists and 
ankles, and passing them around the pins, drew our 
feet and arms out to their utmost tension, making our 
joints fairly crack. Pinioned in this way, our heads 
were the only moveable parts of our bodies, and our 
upturned faces had the full benefit of the sun's rays, 
being subjected at the same time to attacks of swarms 



43 



of insects. Tliis torture was so Tery painful that 
many fainted, but tlie women soon brought the vic- 
tims to consciousness by dashing an olla of water in 
their faces, and with yells of delight witnessed the re- 
newal of the poor fellows' agonies. I was so complete- 
ly disguised in dirt, that the flies seemed to pass me 
by in despair ; and being thus in a measure relieved, I 
turned my attention to my companion on my right, 
the trapper. He seemed to be taking things very 
quietly, and evinced great patience and fortitude un- 
der his trials. The squaws were particularly attentive 
to him; and at the time I turned my head in his 
direction, two hags were amusing themselves sticking 
sharp pointed sticks into his body ; he bore it manful- 
ly, but I saw tears of agony streaming from under his 
eyelids. Presently the air was filled with yells and 
whoops ; our tormentors rushed off pell-mell, the 
guards only remaining. I asked what was the mean- 
ing of this new outbreak ; to which the trapper re- 
plied that he supposed it was caused by the arrival of 
a new lot of those " gosh darned red niggers." 

Deeming this a good opportunity, I questioned him 
as to the intentions of our captors ; to which he replied 
that we would be kept staked out in this barbarous 
way until the games and feasting, with which they 
always celebrated successful forays, had been com- 
pleted ; and then we would be put to torture and 
death. 

"How will they kill us? " I asked. 



" 0, darn 'em, the varmints have as many ways as 
I have fingers and toes, to knock the life out of a chap ; 
they most alius makes us run the gantlet, leastwise 
the Kimanch does ; but ye see, they air such mighty 
unsartin niggers, they does almost enything but what 
yer expect them ter. 55 

" Will vre have to remain in this position until the 
Indians are ready to torture us ? ?? I asked. 

" ? Spect so," briefly answered my neighbor. 

The guard was now nearing us, and we remained 
silent. 

The feasting and festivities had now begun. We 
were unfastened and removed to the centre of the vil- 
lage, where a dance was about to begin. Our feet 
were still bound, but we could assume a sitting pos- 
ture ; thus situated, I saw for the first time the mam- 
cuiehic. The young girls only take part in this cele- 
bration ; they go through a number of graceful and 
intricate evolutions, finishing by forming in a semi- 
circle around the chief and his queen, who are seated 
on a terrace of the temple. I was so much more in- 
terested in trying to discover my wife among the nu- 
merous lookers on, that T paid no special attention to 
the dance. The performance having come to an end, 
we were again staked out, and our captors returned to 
their feasting, slaughtering fresh cattle to satisfy the 
demands of their appetites. Our wants were not so 
well supplied. 

The next morning the games were renewed; tibia 



45 



time we were taken out on the prairie to witness the 
feats of horsemanship, performed by the braves and 
their visitors. These were very fine, and for the time 
being I forgot my own position in the interest excited 
in the daring feats of these children of the plains. 
They rode their horses at top speed ; vaulting on then* 
backs and discharging arrows with as much apparent 
ease as if they stood still. They went through all 
the evolutions of Indian warfare, and ended with a 
mock battle ; their yells alone would have dismayed 
an ordinary adversary. 

Thirsty and tired, I and my companions were led 
back to our old position and again securely fastened. 
Turning to Black, I said that I supposed they would 
open the festivities to-morrow with our torture and 
death ; to which he replied that he " 'spected they 
would." At least I thought, it will only be another 
species of torture, and we would be quickly released 
from it by death. Our guard now brought us some 
water and burnt meat, of which we were allowed to 
partake. 

The thongs are again tightened ; our guards move 
among us to see that all is secure ; and the sentinel 
for the evening watch having been detailed, we are 
left to silence and our own thoughts — thoughts of our 
approaching doom, and perhaps of the loved ones far 
away in some Mexican border town, whose unavail- 
ing prayers are being offered up for our safety. Filled 
with these emotions, some poor fellow would give ex- 



46 



pression to his pent-up feelings in a long drawn sigh ; 
the only sound that broke upon the stillness of the 
night. The moon's beams penetrated into the valley ; 
the argent rays shedding a soft and subdued light, as 
they pierced the mist that was rising from the river. 
I knew that death was our portion, but little did I 
dream that on such scenes such awful mom should 
rise. 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE TOETUKE. 

(P%n XOTIIETl morning dawned; again we were 
J^V brought forth, and from the information gained 
oyi> from the old trapper, I knew that our time for 
® action had come. Lying in a group on the 
green sward, we watched the movements of bur ene- 
mies with painful interest. Our hands and feet were 
bound, but we were not otherwise secured, and were 
therefore enabled to sit up and look around us ; we 
saw that the Indians were divested of every super- 
fluous article of dress or ornament, that their move- 
ments might be light and unimpeded. T7e saw them 
enter the woods and return with clubs freshly cut 
from the trees, an ominous indication of the fate in 
store for us. To the number of several hundred the 
savages had gathered upon the plain, and were arrang- 
ing the preliminaries for their fiendish sport. TTe 
watched their preparations with a peculiar interest ; at 
length all seemed in readiness — two rows of Indians 
stretched along the plain for a distance of about three 
hundred yards — all were armed with clubs, and stood 
facing each other ; an interval of three or four paces 



48 



separating the ranks. Between these lines we had to 
run and receive blows in passing, from all who were 
quick enough to hit us. We were told that if any of 
our number achieved the apparently impossible feat of 
passing the entire line, and could reach the foot of 
the cliff without being overtaken that our lives would 
be spared. I asked the old trapper if he believed this. 
" l^ot by a durn sight," was his reply ; " its all a cus- 
sed injun lie, just to make us do our puttiest ; they'll 
roast us all the same, blast ? em." I was satisfied that 
the promise was of no value, even if they should ad 
here to it ; for the fleetest runner could never pass 
the lines. ^ 

Several of the warriors now approached us, and un- 
tied one of the Mexicans ; he was to run first. Al- 
though an athletic and active specimen of his race, he 
was quickly disposed of ; running barely ten paces be- 
fore he was stretched senseless, and brought back 
helpless and bleeding, while the air resounded with 
the wild yells of the savage bystanders. Three of the 
other captives soon met the same fate, and then it 
came my turn ; I was unbound and led forward and 
stood awaiting the signal to begin the terrible race. 
Within a few moments a wild scheme had formed it- 
self in my mind, and although fully realizing its des- 
perate nature, I had determined to make the effort, 
even if I perished in the attempt. I had noticed that, 
with the exception of those forming the lines between 
which I was to run, the Indians all stood hehind me ; 



49 



and for a considerable space around me the ground 
was entirely clear. My plan was to start as if -with, 
the intention of entering the lane of savages, but to 
suddenly diverge to the right or left, as might seem 
most expedient, and run directly down the valley, 
with the hope that I might be able to reach the 
dense and tangled forest which fringed it, and conceal 
myself in its recesses until I could find some way out 
of my rock-environed prison. As I look back at it 
now, I can only wonder that I should have had the 
hardihood to attempt it. Not an Indian among the 
hundreds around but knew well all the paths and 
windings of the wooded borders of the valley, even 
supposing that I were fortunate enough to reach it ; 
but that was improbable. Among so many it was 
likely there would be several able to outstrip me in 
speed, fast runner as I deemed myself ; and if 
overtaken, I could expect nothing but more cruel 
treatment than I had yet experienced. Besides, 
although I did not know it at the time, the valley had 
but two entrances, and these were constantly guarded 
by a watchful picket. But at the time I thought of 
none of these things — " drowning men will catch at 
straws," says the old adage — and my hastily formed 
plan seemed to me to promise success. Having formed 
my resolution I was necessitated to put it in prac- 
tice at once. The Indians were already impatient for 
another victim, and the signal being given I started 
on my race for life at the top of my speed. At first I 



50 



ran directly for the living lane, where my enemies 
waited with poised clubs each eager to strike the first 
blow, but as I neared it I made a sudden break to the 
right, and gathering all my energies for one mighty 
effort, I broke through a group of old men and idlers 
who were watching the sport. Despite their efforts 
to intercept me I cleared them in an instant, and 
ran down the valley with the whole yelling mob at 
my heels. Some half dozen of my pursuers being 
swifter of foot forged ahead of their comrades, but 
they did not seem to gain upon me, and for a time it 
seemed that I would distance them entirely ; but I 
had overestimated my strength, and to my alarm 
found myself growing weak, and running heavily and 
with painful effort. 

I had now, however, nearly reached the timber, and 
strained every nerve to gain its welcome shadow ; 
looking back, I saw that one of my pursuers was 
within two hundred yards of me, and gaining rapid- 
ly ; straining every nerve, I kept up my headlong 
pace, but when within fifty paces of the woods and 
with my enemy but little further behind me, I tripped 
and fell, and had barely time to spring to my feet be- 
fore he was upon me ; he was entirely unarmed, hav- 
ing thrown away his club during the chase. As he 
rushed upon me, I met him with a blow from my fist, 
delivered with all the force of which I was capable. 
Striking him directly under the chin, it knocked him 
completely off his feet, and he measured his length 



51 



upon the grass. I turned with a spring, and was 
about to plunge into the thicket, when the dense un- 
dergrowth parted directly before me, and I stood face 
to face with an Indian of gigantic size and most 
singular appearance. For a moment I was complete- 
ly paralyzed ; not so my new opponent. Realizing 
the situation at a glance, he sprang upon me, and bore 
me to the ground with scarcely an effort. Emerging 
from the lethargy which had enthralled me for a mo- 
ment, I struggled frantically to free myself, but in 
vain. Several others had now come up, and my fal- 
len antagonist, who had been stunned for a moment, 
recovered himself, with his temper not at all improv- 
ed by the rough handling he had received, and snatch- 
ing a knife from the belt of one of the new comers, 
aimed a blow at me which would have ended my life 
on the instant, and prevented this narrative from be- 
ing written. My captor seized his arm, and rebuked 
him so sternly, that he slunk away abashed. I was 
then allowed to rise to my feet, and my hands being 
bound, the huge Indian, who seemed to be in author- 
ity, and of whom the others evidently stood in awe 
consigned me to the custody of two warriors, and dis- 
missing the rest with a wave of his hand, again dis- 
appeared in the thicket. 

Led between my two guards, I was soon taken back 
to the village, followed by an excited crowd of In- 
dians, who showed a disposition to handle me pretty 
roughly, but their unwelcome attentions were prevent- 



52 



ed by my conductors who pushed rapidly through the 
crowd, and soon reached the lodge in which I had 
previously been confined. I was soon reinstalled in 
my gloomy prison, and after tying me in the usual 
manner, my attendants left me to solitude and 
misery. 

Bitterly disappointed by the failure of my daring 
scheme at the very moment when it seemed to pro- 
mise success, my thoughts were the reverse of plea- 
sant ; and when my mind reverted to the fate of my 
wife, I suffered such mental agony, as I pray that you, 
kind reader, may never know. 

Another night passed, and remembering the words 
of the old trapper, I awoke filled with the conviction 
that it was to be my last day on earth. The usual 
scanty meal was supplied to me, and about an hour 
later I was again brought forth upon the plain. 
I was soon among my companions in misfortune, 
and like them securely tied to stakes ; but allow- 
ed to sit upright, as if the red demons wished us 
to fully observe the preparations now going for- 
ward. 

Upon the level plain facing the temple, and at a 
short distance from it, scores of brawny savages were 
busily engaged planting firmly in the ground a row of 
massive posts ; they were arranged in a semi-circle, 
and were about twenty in number. We saw many of the 
Indians go to the woods, tomahawk in hand ; we heard 
the sounds of chopping, and saw them return with 



53 

bundles of faggots ; we saw them fastening curiously 
fashioned chains of copper to the posts ; we observed 
them painting their faces and bodies in hideous stripes 
of red and black. It was a scene of fearful import, 
for we knew but too well that it was the prelude to 
the torture. What were my companions' reflections I 
knew not, for they spoke but little. But the set and 
stern expression that showed itself on every face, told 
me plainly that they fully realized the terrible drama 
in which they were to be the principal actors. The 
appearance of all was ghastly in the extreme. Travel- 
stained, covered with dust, and with spots of dried 
blood, some showing fresh and bleeding wounds 
— souvenirs of yesterday's rough sport — our clothing 
torn and disarranged, we were indeed objects of pity, 
calculated to excite commiseration in the breasts of 
any others than the brutal and sanguinary wretches 
who were about to put us to a terrible death. As for 
me, my brain was on fire ; and could I but have freed 
myself from my bonds I would gladly have sought 
instant death at the hands of the nearest savage, 
rather than to longer endure the ever present torture 
of mind, and the not more acilte physical suffering 
which I was soon to undergo. 

At last their preparations seemed cempleted, and 
the audience assembled. Camanches and Apaches 
alike gathered before the temple, forming a vast semi- 
circle. The terraces of the temple were occupied by 
the older men, and upon its summit were seated a 



54 



group of men in strange costumes, the priests of 
Quetzalcoatl. Directly in front of the temple a sort 
of throne had been erected, and upon it sat the aged 
chief, with his subordinates grouped around him. An 
old Indian of most repulsive aspect, seemed to direct 
the proceedings, assisted by about a hundred of the 
younger warriors. A number approached us, we 
were released from our fastenings and led for- 
ward; our ragged garments were soon stripped 
from our bodies, and with dextrous rapidity we 
were bound singly to the stakes already prepared 
for us. 

To the hour of my death I can never forget that 
scene. For years it haunted me, and even now, at 
times I. start from my sleep with a cry of terror as I 
fancy I see again that mob of yelling, painted demons, 
the crowded terraces of the temple gay with the bright 
colors of barbaric costumes, the little band of doomed 
captives, the fagots, stakes, and all the terrible instru- 
ments of death. Back of all, the snow white cliffs, 
fringed with the dark green foliage of the pines, 
and Heaven's sunshine falling over all, as if in 
mockery of the awful tragedy about to be enacted. 
I wake — and shuddering, thank God that it is only 
a dream. 

But it was all too real then. At a signal from their 
leader the savage executioners heaped the fagots around 
us, placing them at a sufficient distance to insure the 
prolongation of our sufferings, so that we might die 



55 



slowly, and afford them ample time to fully enjoy our 
agonies. The fires were lighted, and the smoke rolled 
up in volumes, and threatened to suffocate us and put 
a speedy end to our torments. In a few seconds how- 
ever, as the wood got fairly blazing, the smoke lifted, 
and as we began to writhe in agony, a yell of delight 
went up from more than three thousand savage throats. 
The heat grew more intense ; my skin was scorched 
and blistered ; dizzy and faint, I felt that the end was 
near, and longed for death as a speedy escape from 
such terrible pain. Some of my companions, rendered 
frantic by their sufferings, gave vent to screams of 
anguish ; others endured in silence. 

Mustering all my fortitude, as yet not a sound had 
escaped me ; I had closed my eyes, and was fervently 
praying for the relief which I knew death must soon 
give me, when I was startled by a wild cry, followed 
by a yell of astonishment from the savage spectators. 
Opening my eyes I saw the same gigantic Indian who 
had recaptured me on the day previous, making his 
way rapidly through the crowd, who fell back to right 
and left with precipitate haste. Hushing directly to- 
wards me he scattered the blazing brands, released me 
as quick as thought, and dragged me to the front of 
the temple, while the air resounded with the yells and 
exclamations of the Indians. Raising his hand he 
hushed them, into silence, and uttered a few words in 
the Camanche tongue ; their meaning was lost upon 
me ; I could only distinguish the word " Quetzalcoatl," 



56 



which. I knew to be the name of their God. But the 
revulsion of feeling, and the terrible ordeal through 
which I had passed, proved too much for my ex- 
hausted frame ; I swooned and sank insensible to the 
earth. 



\ 



CHAPTER VII. 



"Wa-ko-met-kla. 

HE Indian to whom I owed my life a second time, 
and who had braved the wrath of the fiends to 
snatch me from a death, in comparison to which 
all others pale into insignificance, the tried friend, 
whose friendship stood as a shield betweSn me and 
petty persecution during my captivity, I shall ever hold 
in grateful remembrance. To him I owe the only 
hours of contentment that were vouchsafed me during 
seven years of existence ; seven long years of toil and 
mental anguish. How can I picture to the imagina- 
tion of my readers the noble qualities of head and 





58 



Iieart with wliick this cJrild of native was en- 
dowed i He was a rough diamond, and it was only 
by the attrition of constant intercourse that his best 
qualities displayed themselves. Physically he was 
perfect ; his movements were instinct with that grace 
and ease that are the attributes of those alone whose 
lives have been spent in the cultivation of all exer- 
cises that look to the development of the muscles. 
How vividly his image presents itself to my mind as 
I write ; his body, which was nude to the waist, ex- 
cept on occasions, when religious observances demanded 
peculiar attire, was streaked most fantastically with 
different colored pigments. The head-dress, that con- 
sisted of two war eagles' plumes, one dyed vermilion, 
the other its natural hue. serve! only the more to 
distinguish a head that would have been conspicuous 
in any company. Suspended from his neck by a mas- 
sive chain huno* a disc of beaten gold, on which was 
rudely engraved the figure of a tortoise, the symbol of 
priesthood. Pendants of gold depended from either 
ear j and his arms were encircled above the elbow with 
broad gold bands. The limbs were encased in leg- 
gings of dressed fawn skin, ornamented along the 
seams with a fringe of scalp-locks ; a guarantee of his 
personal bravery. Moccasins worked into grotesque 
designs with beads and porcupine quills covered his 
feet. Pervading all like an intangible essence was 
that ever present frank bearing and dignified courtesy, 
that at once marked him as a chieftain and ruler ainon^r 



59 



men. Sucli was the medicine man of the Camanches 
and the high-priest of Quetzalcoatl, Wakometkla. 

"With returning consciousness, I found myself ex- 
tended along the sward, the Indian kneeling by my 
side and holding in the palm of his hand some crushed 
bark, of a peculiarly pungent and aromatic odor. 
Clustered around me were a group of savages, who, 
judging by their menacing looks and excited gestures 
were not wholly pleased with the new turn which 
affairs had taken. One among them, emboldened 
perhaps by the unconcern of the chief, approached 
more nearly, and unsheathing his knife, raised the 
long, glittering, and murderous looking blade in mid 
air, preparatory to burying it hilt deep in my unresist- 
ing body. In a moment "Wakometkla was on his 
feet, his proud form dilating with wrath. Grasping 
the culprit by the throat, he hurled him from him 
with tremendous force, sending him reeling through 
the crowd and to the ground ; then turning to those 
that remained, he administered a sharp rebuke and 
motioned them away ; they dispersed without delay, 
leaving me alone once more; the priest, meantime 
having entered the temple. I could distinctly hear 
the crackling of the fagots and the agonizing wail of 
some poor victim, as the greedy flames, leaping higher 
and higher devoured his quivering flesh. Interming- 
ling with the groans of the dying captives could be 
heard the triumphant yells of the bloodthirsty savages, 
which were echoed by the women that everywhere 



60 



filled the terraces of the lodges and temple; their 
bright-hued robes forming a striking contrast with 
their dark complexions. Over this scene of butchery 
shone the sun, which had now reached its zenith, in 
all its unclouded brilliancy ; the mountainous walls of 
milky quartz that enclosed the valley, catching his 
beams and reflecting them in myriad prismatic hues, 
that gave one the impression that he was in some en- 
chanted domain. 

The priest soon returned accompanied by a young 
girl, who bore in her arms a quantity of roots and 
strips of long bark, and placing them on the ground 
at my feet commenced applying them, first the leaves, 
then the bark, to my limbs. Soon I was swathed and 
bandaged like a mummy ; which operation being per- 
formed, I was taken in their arms and carried inside 
the temple. 

Descending a ladder we entered a darkened cham- 
ber, the walls of which were hung with robes and 
curious devices ; passing through this room I was con- 
ducted to an inner apartment which was partitioned 
off by a curtain of buffalo robes. In the corner of 
this room was a couch on which I was placed. After 
giving the girl some brief directions, the priest left us, 
the girl following him, after having brought me an 
earthen vessel filled with a dark liquid, which I un- 
derstood by her gestures I was to drink. Such was 
the magical effect of the leaves in which my burned 
limbs were bound, that I no longer felt any pain, and 



61 



taking a deep draught of the liquid, I was soon 
asleep. 

I must have slept many hours, for on awakening 
I found that it had grown quite dark, the only 
light being supplied by a small bluish flame that 
was dimly burning on a tripod in the center of the 
room. My attention was attracted by the peculiar 
furniture — if such it might be called — of this 
strange place. The walls are hung with hideous 
shapes and skins of wild beasts ; in which ever way I 
turn, I am attracted by odd shapes, such as the fierce 
visage of the grizzly bear, the white buffalo and pan- 
ther ; while interspersed among the horns of the cim- 
znaron, elk and bison, are grim idols carved from the red 
claystone of the desert. All these, I feel sure, are 
the symbols of a horrid and mystic religion. The 
fumes of the charcoal begin to affect me, my head 
grows hot ; the pulse beats quicker ; I fancy I hear 
strange noises ; I think there are animals moving on 
the stone pavement ; the fitful flame discloses a shin- 
ing object, whose sinuous and gliding movements be- 
trays the presence of the dreaded crotalus / it ap- 
proaches my bed ; its bead-like eyes glittering with a 
baleful light. My terror and excitement have now 
become agonizing ; the veins stand out upon my fore- 
head like whip cords ; I am bathed in a cold perspira- 
tion. Making a mighty endeavor, I free my feet 
from the thongs that bind them, and springing from 
the bed, rush wildly towards the center of the room. 



62 



Once the sacred fire is reached, I can partially protect 
myself by scattering the glowing coals on the floor, 
and fight the reptiles with what they dread the most. 
In leaving the conch my foot becomes entangled, I 
give a sudden jerk, and to my horror and dismay, 
pull down a section of the fur-covered wall ; a sight 
discloses itself that cnrdles the blood in my veins and 
thrills my frame with a paralyzing , horror. I have' 
disturbed a nest of huge serpents ! They move ; un- 
coil themselves, and join the crotalus / suddenly the 
room seems alive with the venomous creatures. I 
hear the dreaded rattle and the sibilant hiss; rushing 
toward the fire, I seize the tripod and dash it to the 
ground, scattering the glowing embers in every di- 
rection. My fright becomes terrible, and I imagine 
the monsters are crawling over my body. With the 
frenzy of despair I rush to the door that ]eads out 
of this chamber of horrors, all the while uttering the 
most fearful shrieks. In a twinkling I am confronted 
by Indians, bearing lighted torches ; taking in the 
situation at a glance, they enter the apartment, chase 
the serpents back to their hiding places, while I am 
hurried away to less disagreeable quarters. I have 
passed through many thrilling adventures, but for 
unparalleled horror, this one was without its peer. 

The following morning, I was taken into the pre- 
sence of the priest. That something of unusual mo- 
ment was about to transpire, I felt sure, from the 
general air and appearance of those in the room. 



63 

Wakometexa was seated on a throne, around him 
were grouped a number of chiefs in all the bravery of 
war paint, plumes and robes. It was the council 
chamber, and I was about to go through the ceremony 
of adoption into the tribe. It might have been inter- 
esting had I understood their tongue, but as it was, I 
played the part of a puppet. 

The profoundest silence reigned throughout the 
apartment, and the gray dawn, stealing in through the 
door of the lodge, pervaded the room and made it 
colder and more desolate than before. A chief ad- 
vanced to my side, and muttering something in which 
I could onlv distinguish the words " Americano " and 
" Quetzalcoatl," led me to the foot of the dais. TYako- 
metkla arose and addressed me at length ; then the 
warriors formed in a circle and moved around me, ac- 
companying their movements with a wild sort of 
chant. A young boy and girl, standing on one side 
supplied the music, using for this purpose an Indian 
drum, which produced a monotonous but rythmic 
sound. This ceremony over, I am again led out and 
my clothes stripped from my back ; substituting in 
their stead leggings and moccasins only. My body is 
then besmeared with paint and oil. My hair is shaved 
with scaling Jcnives, leaving only a small ridge on 
my head, that ran from my forehead to my neck. 
Thus disguised and regenerated, I am again led into 
the presence of the chief, who embraces me, and wav- 
ing his arm a young warrior advances with a neck- 



64 



lace, shield, bow and quiver, tomahawk and lance ; 
these are given to me in addition to a tobacco pouch 
filled with I? neck fcnitk, the Indian substitute for to- 
bacco. Thus accoutered, I am once more placed in 
the center of a circle, this time outside of the lodge ; 
a small piece of turf is removed and the savages again 
commence their incantations. The dance is exceed- 
ingly grotesque, and consists of a series of yells, 
jumps and jarring gutterals, which are sometimes 
truly terrifying. Every step has its meaning, and 
every dance its peculiar song. When one becomes 
fatigued by the exercises, he signifies it by bending 
quite forward and sinking his body towards the 
ground, then withdraws from the circle; when all 
have retired in this manner the dance is ended, and 
all that remains to make me one of them is branding. 
During these ceremonies, I often wondered why I 
should have been singled out for adoption, when there 
were others who would, in my opinion have answered 
their purposes so much better ; the Mexicans, for in- 
stance, with whose language they were familiar, would 
have been more serviceable ; again, why should they 
take anyone into the tribe ? Later, all this was ex- 
plained. It seems that the medicine man is averse to 
initiating any of his own people into the secrets and 
hocus-pocus of his art, as the apprentice, with the 
knowledge thus gained, might in time become a for- 
midable rival. By adopting a captive this risk is ob- 
viated, as under no circumstances could he aspire to 



65 



the honors of priesthood. In the event of his escape, the 
only damage would be the loss of an experienced assist- 
ant. From this time I was always addressed by my 
new name Tah-teck-a-da-haik (the steep wind), pro- 
bably from the . fact that I outstripped my pursuers in 
my vain effort at escape. I was allowed to roam at 
will through the village, but I noticed that wherever 
I went, watchful eyes followed my every motion. 

I was actuated in my rambles solely by the desire 
to see my wife ; vain effort. I entered lodge after 
lodge, climbed from terrace to terrace, but my patient 
and loving endeavor was unrewarded. Fatigued, and 
with a desponding heart, I retraced my steps towards 
the temple. 

Morning once more dawns- ; it is the hour of wor- 
ship ; groups may be seen at the doors of the differ- 
ent lodges ; they separate, some incline their course 
to the river, where sparkling waters are just dis- 
cernable, as the blue mist, that during the night had 
hung over the valley, rises upward. Filling their 
olios they return, carrying the earthen vessels on their 
heads. Others may be seen wending their way to the 
temple ; I, among others ascend ; arriving at the top, 
I find a number already congregated there ; they 
make way for me, showing a deference as new as it is 
unexpected. I have a fine view of the village, and 
what an odd look it has ; what strange structures 
meet my view ; some are one, others two, three, and 
even four stories in height ; they resemble pyramids 



66 



with a piece of the top cut off ; each upper story is 
smaller than that below it ; the lower one serving as a 
terrace for the one above, and thus up to the top. 
The clay of which they are built is of a yellowish 
tinge. ' Leaning against each terrace is a ladder, that 
serves as stairs to the story above ; no windows are to 
be seen, but doors lead into the lodge from every ter- 
race. Those lodges occupied by warriors and chiefs are 
ornamented by long poles projecting from the top of 
the structure, from which float pennants, bearing var- 
ious devices ; the temple looms up over all. The 
corrals, in which the cattle are secured during the 
night, are near the houses of their owners. Close to 
the staff of the temple stands an altar, on which a 
fire is burning ; and huddled in a small group near its 
base are a group of female captives ; their forms are 
almost shrouded in the long striped Indian blankets. 
Impelled by a resistless force I near them ; one turns 
towards me, it is my wife ; opening my arms I rush 
wildly forward, overturning men and women by this 
sudden and precipitate movement. Mj wife is appar- 
ently as much frightened as the others ; then recog- 
nizing my voice she breaks from the group and is 
soon in my arms. We were not long allowed to re- 
main in each others arms ; recovering from their sur- 
prise, the Indians seized and parted us. During the 
remainder of the time spent on the top oJ^ the tem- 
ple, Mrs. Eastman was kept guarded and separated 
from Tahteckadahatr, the Indian brave. There is a 



67 



commotion, the crowd part, and "Wakometkla advan- 
ces to the altar. The drum beats, all prostrate them 
selves ; the drum again beats, and the initiatory cere- 
mony is concluded ; the crowd is motionless ; all face 
to the east. The quartz wall that shuts in the valley, 
and whose pinnacles point heavenward in needle- 
shaped spires, brighten ; the points sparkle like dia- 
monds ; a ray penetrates into the valley ; the moun- 
tain suddenly seems on fire, and, as if by magic, the 
god of light flashes on our upturned faces, bathing 
the surrounding objects in a flood of glory. All 
nature seems jubilant. The birds carol forth their 
blithest songs ; the river sparkles and dances in the 
sunlight ; the drum is heard once more ; the devotees 
prostrate themselves and bend in submissive adora- 
tion before the coming of the fiery god, Quetzal- 
coatl. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

j 



A NEW VOCATION. 

; HIS ceremony over, the priests and worshipers 
withdrew ; my wife was led away by her guards, 
and I was left for a moment alone with Wako- 
metkla ; he stood gazing toward the distant 
mountains and seemed lost in reverie. At length 
he roused himself, and toning towards me, approach- 
ed and taking me by the arm, conducted me once 
more to the lower part of the temple. We descended 
to the subterranean apartments, and passing through 
several, at length entered a room of good size, but so 
littered with the various utensils of his profession as 
to be almost impassable. Hugh earthen cauldrons, 
set upon blocks of stone, were ranged across one end, 
and these were filled with a thick liquid of a dark 
brown color. Bundles of dried herbs were suspended 
from the walls and ceiling ; the plants seemed to be of 
many species, but were all strange and unknown to 
me. A large block of stone standing in the center of 
the room served as a table, and upon this were a num- 
ber of piles of bark and small lumps of a thick resi- 
nous gum ; in one corner, were two or three smaller 



69 



stone blocks, each with a cavity in the center, and 
evidently used for the same purpose as a druggist's 
mortar. 

I viewed the strange apartment and its contents 
■with much interest, for I saw that in this place the 
old man compounded such simple remedies as he had 
been taught by experience, were necessary for the 
treatment of the ailments to which his tribe was sub- 
ject. On entering, he had motioned me to a seat, 
and I had accordingly placed myself upon a fragment 
of rock and sat quietly observing his proceedings and 
reflecting upon the strange situation in which I found 
myself. My companion, for sometime paid no atten- 
tion whatever to me ; divesting himself of his robes 
and ornaments, he enveloped himself in a sort of 
tunic made from the skin of some wild beast ; to what 
particular kind of animal it had once belonged I was 
unable to form an idea, as the hair had been removed 
and the surface painted in many colors, with curious 
designs ; it was without sleeves, showing his muscular 
arms bared to the shoulder, and with bracelets of 
roughly beaten gold upon the wrists. Taking a piece 
of wood, shaped something like a paddle, he com- 
menced stirring the contents of the cauldrons and 
tasting the mixture, occasionally adding small portions 
of a transparent liquid of a pale yellow color, which 
he poured from a small earthen vessel. For some time 
he continued his employment while I watched and 
meditated, but at length he ceased his labors and 



70 



beckoned me to approach liim. Taking a portion of 
bark from the table he placed it in one of the stone 
basins, and seizing a stone utensil, similar in shape to 
a large gourd, began crushing the bark, motioning me 
meantime to watch him, and working with great en- 
ergy. He continued in this manner for some minutes, 
until he appeared to conclude that I had become suffi- 
ciently familiar with the process, and then directed 
me by gestures to take his place, and I soon found 
myself busily engaged reducing the bark to powder. 
At first the change from my hitherto enforced idle- 
ness was a pleasant relief, but I soon found that it 
was hard and exhausting labor ; the perspiration roiled 
down my face in streams, and I felt a strong inclina- 
tion to cease operations. My new master, however, 
plainly looked with disfavor upon such an intention, 
for the moment that I slackened in my toil, he would 
shake his head gravely and motion me to continue, 
and to work more rapidly, and I had no alternative 
but to obey. 

Of one thing I was satisfied, my new occupation 
was likely to be no sinecure ; there was evidently 
work enough to keep me constantly employed, and 
"Wakometkla would no doubt see to it that I wasted 
no time. For the remainder of the day I was kept 
hard at it, with the exception of the brief period al- 
lowed me for partaking of my food. So far as quan- 
tity was concerned, I had no reason to complain of 
the fair supplied me, but its quality was not so satis- 



71 



factory, it was a species of tasajo, or dried meat, but 
of what animal it had originally formed a part, I was 
entirely unable to determine. 

In place of bread, I was given a sort of cake made 
from the pinon nuts, and not unpalatable, but a poor 
substitute for the food to which I had been accus- 
tomed. "When my day's toil was over, "Wakoxetkla, 
motioning me to follow him, led the way into an ad- 
joining apartment, and pointing to a rude couch of 
skins, indicated that it was to be my resting place for 
the night. Wearied by my unaccustomed labor, I 
threw myself down without the formality of undressing, 
and was soon buried in deep and dreamless slumber. 

At an early hour on the following morning I was 
awakened by Wakometkla, and found myself much- 
refreshed by the first night's sound sleep I had enjoyed 
for many days. I was again conducted to the scene 
of my labors of the day previous and soon found my- 
self at work again. This time, however, I was set at 
a different employment from that in which I had been 
hitherto engaged. Seated upon the earthen floor, with 
a large flat stone before me, I picked over and separated 
the ^various strange herbs, sorting them into heaps ; 
the medicine man stood by and directed my operations, 
uttering a grunt of approval when he saw that I com- 
prehended his pantomimic instructions. At length, 
seeming satisfied that I could complete the task with- 
out f urther assistance, he left me, and for several hours 
I worked on alone. About the middle of the fore 



72 

noon, I had nearly finished my labor, when Wako 
metkla suddenly entered and motioned me to rise and 
follow him; we passed through several apartments 
and entered the mystery room. Approaching a re- 
cess in one corner, my master drew back a curtain of 
skins and disclosed an aperture of considerable size ; 
this he entered and disappeared for a moment, but 
quickly returned, bearing in his hand a metallic circlet 
which glittered in the light of the lambent flame that 
arose from the altar; as he approached me I saw 
that it was a rudely fashioned collar of silver, its sur- 
face covered with engraved lines and strange cabalis- 
tic characters ; this he speedily fastened around my 
neck in such a way that I could not displace it, and 
again motioned me to follow him ; leaving me entirely 
in the dark, as to the object or meaning of this singu- 
lar proceeding. Reaching the first terrace of the tem- 
ple, we descended to the plain and passed through the 
main street of the village until we reached its outskirts. 

Although wondering greatly what new experience 
I was about to meet with, I could not fail to notice 
the great respect with which my strange protector 
was tieated, a respect seemingly not unmixed with 
awe. Many curious glances were cast at me as we 
passed through the crowd of idlers and " dandies " 
who lounged about the open space before the temple, 
but no word was spoken as they drew back to make 
way for us. 

At the edge of the plain, and standing apart from 



73 



the other structures, I had observed a small lodge ; it 
differed in no respect from the others except in size. 
We walked directly towards this, and on reaching it 
TTakometkla entered, motioning me to remain out- 
side. Laying down upon the green turf, I abandoned 
myself to rest and reflection. Naturally, my thoughts 
were mainly of my wife ; and the mystery as to her 
whereabouts and probable fate constantly occupied my 
mind. Had I but known it, my suspense was soon to 
be at an end ; but I little dreamed that I was soon to 
see her again, to meet only to part for years, and with 
the certainty that she would be subjected to every 
degradation ; and had I known it, such knowledge 
would have only caused me additional misery. For 
over an hour I laid motionless ; at times watching the 
movements of a party of Indians who were engaged 
in ball play; at times lost in thought. At last my 
savage master, having finished his visit, the object of 
which I knew not, emerged from the lodge and signed 
me to rise. We retraced our steps until we reached 
the temple, when he indicated by gestures that I might 
remain without. I concluded from his manner that 
I was at liberty for a time at least to follow my own 
inclinations, and accordingly occupied myself in making 
a tour of the village, thinking it possible that I might 
see something of my wife. As I strolled about, I 
was surprised to find that I was entirely unmolested, 
although many of the red warriors looked at me with 
an expression that indicated a desire to "lift my hair. 



74 



I afterward learned that the silver collar I wore was 
itself a safeguard which the boldest " buck " in the 
village would not dare to violate. 

My search was for the time unavailing ; returning 
to the vicinity of the temple, I laid down upon the 
ground and awaited the summons of "Wako^ietkla, 
which I momentarily expected. It seemed, however, 
that he had either forgotten me, or was busied with 
something of more importance, as I was suffered to 
remain by myself for several hours. Watching the 
various groups around, I saw many sights, both new 
and strange to me. A number were engaged in gam- 
bling for the various trinkets they had procured in 
their successful foray. Their implements for this 
pastime were simple enough. Several Indians who 
sat quite near me were engaged in this amusement, 
and by watching them carefully, I was soon able to 
• understand the game. They sat in a circle, with a 
heap of small stones in the center ; one of them, grasp- 
ing a handful of the pebbles would conceal them be- 
hind him, at the same time placing before him the 
article which he wished to wager. The player on his 
right would then stake against it any article which he 
deemed di crual value ; and if the leader accepted the 
bet he would signify it; his opponent had then to 
guess the number of pebbles taken by the first Indian : 
and if his conjecture was correct, became the possessor 
of the articles wagered. If he failed to guess the 
right number, the holder of the stones was the win- 



7a 

ner ; then the next savage seized the pebbles, and so 
it went round and round the circle, the winners vent- 
ing their exultation in veils and laughter, while the 
losers clearly indicated by grunts, expressive of dis- 
gust, their disappointment when fortune went against 
them. 

Suddenly my attention was attracted by a party of 
Indians who came forth from one of the more preten- 
tious lodges. Among them were a number of the 
principal warriors including the head chief himself ; 
with them were also several of the Apaches, who seem- 
ed, by their dress and bearing, to be men of some rank. 
They were engaged in a very animated discussion, 
accompanied with as much gesticulation as if they had 
been a parcel of Frenchmen. Directly two of the 
Camanches re-entered the lodge, and returned leading 
three women, white captives. Without a moment's 
warning my wife was before me, and I sprang to my 
feet and ran towards her, scarcelv knowing what I 
was about. My darling saw me at the same instant 
and stretched out her arms as if to clasp me in her 
embrace, but she was firmly held in the grasp of one 
of the savages and could not stir. Seeing that I 
would not be permitted to approach her I halted, 
wondering what new scene of savage cruelty was 
about to be enacted. I was not long in doubt — from 
the gestures of the Indians, and the exhibition of 
some gaudy ornaments by one of the Apaches, I was 
convinced that a barter or trade of some sort was in 



76 



progress, and a few moments sufficed to satisfy me 
that my surmise was correct, and to plunge me into 
still deeper wretchedness. 

The Camanche head chief, and one who seemed to 
be the leader of the Apaches conversed apart, the 
latter frequently pointing to my wife and evidently 
arguing with great persistence. At length the bar- 
gain seemed completed, and Tonsaroyoo the head 
chief of the Camanches led her to the Apache chieftain 
and consigned her to his custody ; the other women 
were also taken in charge by the Apaches who deliv- 
ered a number of ornaments and trinkets and two 
horses to their Camanche friends. The leader of the 
Apaches now uttered a peculiar cry, apparently a sig- 
nal, for immediately the warriors of his party assem- 
bled from all parts of the village and ranged them- 
selves before him. 

He seemed to give some order, for they ran instantly 
to where their horses were picketed, and with mar- 
velous celerity prepared for departure. The being I 
loved best was about to be torn from me, probably 
forever, and subjected to the most terrible fate that 
could befall one of her sex. As the fatal truth im- 
pressed itself on my mind, I seemed paralyzed in 
every limb, and stood riveted to the spot, gazing 
hopelessly upon those dear features, as I then thought, 
for the last time. My poor wife was quickly mounted 
behind an Apache warrior, and, as the cavalcade 
moved off, she uttered a despairing scream, which 



77 



seemed to rouse me from my lethargy. I endeavored 
to reach her, animated by a wild desire to clasp her 
once again to my heart, and welcome death together ; 
but at my first movement I was grasped by a strong 
&rm, and, with her cry of anguish sounding in my 
ears as the party rode away, I found myself drawn 
within the temple and firmly held by "Wakometkla ; 
he did not relax his grasp until we entered the mys- 
tery chamber, then releasing me, he regarded me not 
unkindly, and muttered to himself in his own lan- 
guage. Sinking under this last terrible blow, I threw 
myself upon the floor, and in the bitterness of my 
heart prayed for death. But death shuns those who 
seek it, it is said, and we were destined to suffer for 
years from the doubts and suspense occasioned by our 
sudden separation, neither knowing the fate of the 
other, and each scarcely daring to hope that their 
loved one could be yet alive. 

After a time Wakometkla raised me to my ieet 
and led me to the room in which I had slept pre- 
viously; here he left me, and for hours I lay in a 
sort of stupor, sinking at last into a heavy but unrest- 
ful slumber. Following, came many weary days, 
during which I paid little attention to things passing 
around me. Absorbed in my sorrow, I took no note 
of time, until a change in occupation brought forth 
new plans in my mind, causing me to entertain hope 
for the future. But of this anon. 



CHAPTER IX. 
THE "mystery bag: 




EVERAL months had elapsed since I entered 
upon my new duties. At first I was stimulated 



to extra endeavor by that curiosity which impels 
all novices to take an especially active interest in 
their profession, but I soon found that pounding bark, 
and gathering herbs, could become as monotonous as 
other less novel employments. I envied the women 
their tasks, as it would have been a change, and conse- 
quently a relief. It was a treadmill existence, and 
day succeeded day with unvarying sameness. I arose 
before dawn and went to the river ; after a plunge in 
the sparkling water I returned to the temple and re- 
newed the paint on my person, which had been effaced 
by the water. Constant exposure to wind and weather 
had tanned my body to the color of leather, and it 
did not require a great amount of art to enable me to 
imitate the true Indian complexion. Exposure and 
coarse wholesome food had made me very hardy, and 
I found that I could bear fatigue and work that I 
should have thought I was never capable of perform- 
ing. To this training I was indebted for the strength 




s 



79 



that supported me in my arduous journey through 
the deadly jornada, when in quest of my wife. When 
my preparations were completed, it was time to ascend 
to the top of the temple and join in the morning's de- 
votions. These over, I returned to the underground 
room and commenced the day's work. At first ¥a- 
ko^ietkla would signify what he required by signs, 
and later, as I acquired a knowledge of the lan- 
guage, he would more fully detail his wishes, and 
oil times explain the effects and purposes of the drug. 
In this way I became as familiar with his materia med- 
ica, as hirnself ; and from time to time offered sug- 
gestions that occurred to me, which seemed to please 
him. 

By constant and steady application I amassed a 
fund of knowledge concerning vegetable medicines 
that enabled me, on my return to civilization, through 
the co-operation of Dr. Clark J oh^sok", to make my 
knowledge available in alleviating suffering hu- 
manity. 

In my excursions into the woods I was accompan- 
ied by the chief, who instructed me how to gather the 
medicine plants, and where to find them. After a 
day spent in this manner, we would return to the vil- 
lage each carrying a basket on his back, filled with the 
results of our labor. By far the most important part 
of my work, in the estimation of the Indians at least, 
was the concoction of " medicine," or mystery in which 
my master and myself were supposed to be all potent. 



so 



The red men are slaves to superstition, and in order 
to gain control over them it is absolutely necessary to 
profess a thorough intimacy with every tiling that is 
mysterious and supernatural. They believe in the 
power of talismans ; and no Indian brave would for a 
moment suppose that his safety in this world, or hap- 
piness in the next, could be secured, did he not pos- 
sess, and constantly keep about him his " mystery bag." 
A description of this article, and the manner in which 
it is made may not prove uninteresting. 

"When a vouth has arrived at the age of sixteen it 
becomes necessary for him to " make his medicine : " 
to this end he leaves his fathers lodge, and absents 
himself for one or two days and nights ; entering the 
woods, where he may be secure from interruption, he 
seeks some quiet nook, and stretching his length upon 
the ground, remains in that position until he dreams 
of his medicine. During this time he abstains from 
food and water. "When in his dreanis the bird, rep- 
tile, or animal, that is to act as his guardian angel 
through life appears to him ; or rather he imagines it 
does. As soon as he has learned what to seek for, 
he retraces his steps and joins his family again, who 
receive him with demonstrations of great joy ; a feast 
is made in his honor, and he is treated with marked 
consideration. The festivities having come to an end, 
he arms himself with bow and arrows, or takes his 
traps, whichever may be best adapted to secure the 
animal he seeks, and leaving the village once more 



81 



goes in pursuit of his quarry, not returning until his 
hunt has been crowned with success. Great care is 
to be observed in seeming the " medicine " intact. 
The skin is then stuffed with wool or moss, and relig- 
iously sealed ; the exterior is ornamented as the fancy 
of the owner may dictate ; the decoration in most in- 
stances being of a very elaborate character. 

The bag is usually attached to the person, but is 
sometimes carried in the hand. Feasts are made, and 
even dogs and horses sacrificed to a man's medicine, 
while days of fasting and penance are suffered to 
appease his medicine, when he fancies he has in some 
way offended it. The Indian will not sell this charm 
for any price ; indeed, to part with it is considered a 
disgrace. In battle, he looks to it for protection from 
death, and if perchance he is killed, it will conduct 
him safely to the happy hunting grounds, which he 
contemplates as his inheritance in the world to come. 
If he should lose it in the fio'ht, let him battle never 
so bravely for his country, he suffers overwhelming 
disgrace, and is pointed at by the tribe as " a man 
without medicine," and remains a pariah among his 
people until the sacred mystery bag is replaced. This 
can only be done by rushing into battle, and wresting 
one from the enemy, whom he slays with his own 
hand. Once this is accomplished, lost caste is regained, 
and he is reinstated in the tribe, occupying a position 
even higher than before he lost the charm. Medicine 
thus acquired at the risk -of life and limb is considered 



82 



the best, and entitles tlie wearer to many privileges 
to which lie could never have aspired before. When 
a brave lias captured a mystery bag belonging to his 
opponent, he has performed a feat of great valor, far 
surpassing the glory of innumerable scalps. 

It is somewhat singular that a man can institute his 
medicine but once in a lifetime ; and equally curious 
that he can reinstate himself by the adoption of medi- 
cine captured from the enemy. In these regulations 
are concealed strong inducements to fight : first, to 
protect hiniself and his medicine; and again, if the 
warrior has been unfortunate enough to lose the charm, 
that he may restore it and his reputation, while in 
combat with the foes of his community. 

I had been for a long time in the village before I 
was allowed to wander beyond its limits. Indeed, I 
was kept so constantly employed that I had no oppor- 
tunity to explore the valley, even if I had been per- 
mitted to do so. But the efforts I made to please my 
Indian master were not without their effect. TTaxo- 
metkla soon began to place confidence in me, and 
allow me more freedom of action. I had, it is true, 
very little spare time, but occasionally my master 
would dispense with my services while he was occu- 
pied with the ceremonies of the temple, and at such 
times I found myself free to wander where I pleased. 

In this way, at odd times, I made myself familiar 
With the topography of the entire valley. At first I 
was not without hope, in my solitary rambles, that I 



83 



might devise some plan of escape ; for I had not by 
any means abandoned all hope of that nature, or 
resigned myself placidly to my fate. But I was not 
long in discovering that without a good horse, a sup- 
ply of provisions, and some weapons of oflense or 
defense, any such idea was entirely futile. The valley 
was of itself a prison, for it had neither entrance nor 
exit, except at its two extremities. The one by which 
I had entered I have already described in a previous 
chapter, and will not weary the reader by repeat- 
ing it. 

The pass at the western end of the valley was sim- 
ply a narrow cation cut through the mountain, during 
centuries perhaps, by the action of water ; its precipi- 
tous walls rose to the height of over two thousand 
feet, and in its gloomy recesses it was always twilight ; 
its length was nearly a mile; and at its outer ex- 
tremity it debouched upon a barren plain. At each 
end a guard of two men was constantly posted, reliev- 
ing each other at regular intervals, and beino; changed 
every third day. To pass these vigilant sentinels, 
afoot and unarmed, was plainly impossible ; and I 
soon banished the idea from my mind. 

I had noticed that Wakoieetkla sometimes left the 
village and was absent for two or three days, return- 
ing laden with various herbs and plants freshly gath- 
ered. I concluded from this that they were of species 
which did not grow in the valley, and to procure which 
he was obliged to ascend the various mountain ranges 



84 



that barred my vision in every direction. I was anx- 
ious to accompany him on some one of these expedi- 
tions, thinking that I might thereby gain an opportun- 
ity for flight ; but many long and weary months were 
to pass before I was to be granted that privilege. My 
life at this time was monotonous in the extreme ; and 
so severe was the labor required of me, that I was 
frequently too tired even to think. 

In his trips to the borders of the valley in search of 
1he materials for his medicines, "Wakometkla often 
took me with him, and by these means I gradually 
became familiar with many of the ingredients used. 
It was a source of never-ending wonder to me that 
this untutored savage should have been able to dis- 
cover and prepare so wonderful a remedy as I found 
it to be. I had many opportunities of observing its 
effects upon the Indians ; for the Camanches, although 
naturally a hardy race, partly from their mode of 
life, and partly from the fact that few of them are of 
pure Indian blood, are subject to very many of the 
same ailments that afflict more civilized communities. 

As the assistant of the great medicine man, I found 
niyself treated with far more consideration than I 
would have supposed possible, and, in fact, it appear- 
ed after a time, as if the Indians considered me one 
of themselves. This state of affairs was not without 
its advantages. It ensured mv freedom from molesta- 
tion and at the same time gave me complete facilities 
for becoming familiar with the Indian character, 



85 



their manners and customs, and mode of life. Of 
these I shall treat at length in another chapter. 

At the time I was occupied in making the observa- 
tions and investigations which I shall lay before the 
reader, I had no expectation of ever placing a record 
of my experiences before the public. Hence in many 
things my knowledge of the subject is but superficial. 
Of those things which interested me, or from their 
strange nature made a deep impression upon my mind, 
my recollection is clear and vivid. But many details 
which might be of interest to those who have never 
seen, or been among the prairie Indians, have by the 
lapse of time and the many exciting scenes through 
which I have passed become in a measure effaced from 
my mind. But I shall endeavor to relate as fully as 
possible my checkered experiences ; and this narra- 
tive, whatever its demerits, will have at least one at- 
tribute of excellence, it will adhere strictly to 
facts. 



CHAPTEE X. 



INDIAN LIFE. 

(Jgf HE Camanches are supposed to be a branch, or 
subdivision of tlie Shoshone or Snake nation, 
who, under various names or tribal appellations, 
% dominate the entire area from the borders of 
British America to the Rio Grande. Although, 
these tribes are known by many different names, such, 
as " Shoslioness," "Bonacks," « Utahs/ 3 "Iapans," 
" Apaches," " Navajoes/ 3 " Pawnee Picts," " Caman- 
clies," or " Cayguas," they vary but little in their 
general habits of life. Such differences as do exist are 
mainly the result of variations of climate. 

Until within a few years, the Oamanches were un- 
doubtedly the most warlike and powerful race of In- 
dians on the continent. "With the Apaches, Navajoes, 
and Lipans, they formed a sort of Indian confederacy ; 
rarely at war among themselves, but always with the 
whites ; and when united, able to put a force in the 
field which would ride over the Texan frontier like a 
whirlwind ; and without hesitation penetrate hun- 
dreds of miles into Mexico, desolating whole pro- 
vinces, returning sated with slaughter, and burdened 



87 



with plunder. The Camanehes are, or rather were at 
this time, divided into five bands, usually acting en- 
tirely independently of one another, but uniting in 
case of emergency; or for the purpose of making 
their annual raid on the Mexican towns. This occurs 
at the season when the buffaloes have migrated to the 
north, and is jocularly termed by the savages the 
" Mexican moon." It was on their return from one 
of these expeditions that the band of Tonsaroyoo, the 
head chief of the nation, had intercepted our unlucky 
party. The baud of Tonsaroyoo (Lone Wolf) was 
the most numerous and powerful of the five, and 
hence was usually able to undertake their forays with- 
out the assistance of the other parties. Twice 
only during my long residence among them was a 
general levy or muster of the whole nation deemed 
necessary; and it was a spectacle not easily forgotten. 
In the first instance a raid of greater magnitude than 
usual had been determined upon, and every warrior 
was assembled to take part in it. Assembled at our 
village, they were joined by nearly five hundred 
Apaches, led by Mah-to-chee-ga (Little Bear), their 
second chief. Thus, when they defiled through the 
western portal of the valley, Tonsaroyoo rode at the 
head of nearly seven thousand warriors. 

With the Camanehes, as with most other tribes, the 
chief rank is held by hereditary descent. Thus, the 
son of a chief usually succeeds his father in the ruler- 
ship of his tribe or band ; there are, of course, excep- 



/ 



S8 



tions to this ; but it is the general rule. The head 
chief and second chief of the nation, however, are 
chosen from among the chiefs of each tribe ; the se- 
lection being made by the council. This body num- 
bers twelve members, and are chosen by the whole 
nation ; holding their positions during life, or until 
incapacitated by old age. Among them are found the 
the most distinguished warriors of the tribe, and the 
head priest is also included in their number. 

The installation of a new counselor is considered by 
the Indians an occasion of great importance ; and as 
it is a very interesting ceremony, I will briefly de- 
scribe it. 

< On the occasion in question, Ar-ran-e-jah (Bloody 
Arm), had announced his determination to retire from 
the position of first counselor, which he had held for 
many years. Calling together the chiefs and braves, 
he addressed them somewhat as follows : " Brothers, 
warriors of the Hietan ; for many winters Bloody 
Arm has faithfully served you. He is no longer 
young, his body is weakened by the many wounds he 
has received in your defence, and he wishes for repose ; 
and to be no longer burdened with the cares of the 
council. Bloody Arm's medicine is no longer good 
upon the war path ; and he will enter the medicine 
lodge so that he will not be obliged to go to war, but 
can end his days in peace. We have many brave 
young warriors, who are deserving of promotion, let 
one of these be selected to fill my place ; and may 



89 



his medicine be good and his war-path be fortunate. 
Warriors, I now give up the office of first counselor. 
I have done*" 

Tonsaroyoo replied as follows: "Arranejah, our 
hearts are sorry that you have decided to cease to be 
our first counselor. You have served the nation long 
and faithfully ; your counsel has been wise ; under 
your guidance we have greatly prospered, and we 
would rather that you should still direct us. But you 
say that your body is weak, and that you desire re- 
pose. It is well — we know that you have received 
many wounds at the hands of our enemies ; that you 
were always first in the charge, and never turned 
your back upon the foe. We honor you for your 
bravery, and you will always possess the love and re- 
spect of your people. 

" Now we must select a twelfth counselor. "Will 
you name him for us ? 55 

" No, Tonsaroyoo," said the old man : " I never had 
an enemy among my warriors, and I will not begin 
to make them now. They are all brave, and I should 
not know whom to choose. Let the nation decide who 
is to succeed me. I have done." 

The form of an election was then gone through 
with ; two braves being named for the position by the 
counsel, and a vote taken in the following manner : 
Two heaps of shells, one black, the other white, were 
placed upon the ground before the temple. Each 
warrior selected one from either pile, as he preferred, 



90 



and placed the shells so taken so as to form a third 
pile. When all had deposited a shell in this heap, 
they were counted by two of the elder counselors, and 
the first candidate, who was a protege of Tonsaroyoo, 
was declared rejected, having received too many of 
the black shells ; as the rale is that if more than a 
certain prescribed number (which varies according to 
the number taking part in the election), are cast 
against a candidate he must be withdrawn, and an- 
other presented for approval. 

On the second ballot, jSTau-ce-dah (Strong Shield), 
was chosen without opposition. He belonged to the 
band of Stan-ha-won, and was selected as much be- 
cause of the personal popularity of his chief as 
from any merit of his own ; for, although a daring 
warrior, he was a reckless fellow, and scarcely fitted 
to command or advise. 

The ceremony of his installation followed, and was 
conducted within a medicine lodge, erected for that 
especial purpose. Here were assembled the chiefs, 
priests, members of the council, and the leading war- 
riors, with as many of the other braves as could 
possibly crowd into it. The new dignitary was 
then presented with a white buffalo robe, and a 
head-dress of eagle's plumes, stained red, the insignia 
of his office. iSTew arms and equipments were given 
him, and it was formally announced that Xaucedah 
was the twelfth counselor of the Camanche nation ; 
and that the next war party should be led by him. 



91 



More speech-making followed, some of it decidedly 
eloquent but with which I will not weary the reader. 
Tonsaroyoo presented the new counselor with twenty 
horses and a magnificent white shield ; the assemblage 
then separated. The remainder of the day was de- 
voted to feasting in honor of the event ; the younger 
warriors amusing themselves as usual with horse racing 
and ball play. 

Xaucedah failed to justify the wisdom of this se- 
lection, for his first war party resulted in disaster. 
Starting with about ei^htv warriors on a raid into the 
Utah country to steal horses, he led his unlucky band 
into an ambush, and barely twenty of them escaped ; 
their leader bein^ anions: the killed. 

The marriage relation can hardly be said to exist 
among the Camanches. Each chief or warrior, it is 
true, may have as many wives as he pleases, and they 
generally please to have a rather liberal number ; but 
the tie is not a sacred one as with us; and no cere- 
mony is required to legalize it. The commerce of -the 
sexes is practically unrestricted. The Camanche 
procures his wife, or more properly his slave, by pur- 
chase, by barter, or as in the case of the white cap- 
tives, by force of arms ; and he disposes of her in an 
equally summary fashion when wearied of her. 

One particularly horrid custom to which their white 
prisoners are frequently subjected is the following : 
It sometimes occurs that a dispute will arise as to the 
ownership of a white captive ; in this event it is re- 



92 



f erred to the council for settlement ; and should they 
be unable to agree upon a decision, she then becomes 
common property, the victim of all! 

The Camanche has the same aversion to labor of 
any kind which characterizes all the aboriginal races. 
"When not on the war path, or engaged in the pursuit 
of game, his time is about equally divided between 
eating, smoking, gambling, and sleeping. All the 
burdens of life fall upon the women, and. they must 
endure them as best they may. Their duty it is 
to plant and cultivate the maize, and the few fruits 
and berries which the Indians deem necessary for 
food. They gather and prepare the pinon nuts, and 
cure the tasajo, and prepare the food for their brutal 
masters. In the dressing of skins, and the manufac- 
ture of leggings, moccasins, and the few other articles 
of apparel which are required for comfort or ornament, 
they are especially skilled; and despite their multi- 
farious duties they manage to accomplish a great deal 
of this work. 

In the matter of diet the Camanches are not by any 
means particular. Buffalo meat is their staple, and 
they prefer this to any other food; but when this 
fails them, there are always horses in plenty ; and I 
found "horse-beef 55 to be very good eating, although 
at first the very idea of tasting it was repulsive to me. 
Before I had returned to civilization, however, I had 
partaken of so many queer dishes, arid strange articles 
of food, that, if hungry, I do not think I would hesi- 



93 



tate at anything short of cannibalism. A sort of stew, 
of which the flesh of young puppies forms the prin- 
cipal ingredient, is another Camanche luxury, and I 
learned in time to consider it very palatable ; but I 
fancy most people would rather take it for granted 
than put it to the test. However, if any of my readers 
feel disposed to try the experiment, I can assure them 
that they may do so without fear of unpleasant con- 
sequences. 

The Camanches, in common with all the other 
" horse-Indians," are much addicted to horse racing ; 
and almost every afternoon some sport of this kind 
would take place on the plain before the village. 
These trials of speed were for some wager, and the 
younger warriors would frequently lose all their 
worldly possessions in backing some unlucky steed, 
whose powers of speed or endurance they had over- 
rated. At such times the taunts and exultation of 
the victors would sometimes give rise to a quarrel; 
knives would be drawn and brandished, and a bloody 
fight seem imminent, but the " Yau-pa-sai-na," or 
Indian policemen, would usually succeed in quelling 
the disturbance before much harm could be done. If 
his efforts seemed unavailing, the appearance of Ton- 
saroyoo, battle axe in hand, would be the signal for an 
immediate dispersion of the crowd; the intending 
combatants, especially, sneaking off with great pre- 
cipitation. Knowing the fiery temper of Lone "Wolf, 
and the fact that he looked upon these brawls and 



94 



affrays with great disfavor, and had strictly prohibited 
tlieir occurrence, the quarrelsome young warriors fully 
apprehended that he would have no hesitation in 
braining the first offender who came within his reach. 

This warlike chieftain was a man of very marked 
ability, and governed his tribe with admirable skill 
and judgment. From his severity, however, he was 
feared rather than liked by his people, and although 
implicitly obeyed at all times, he did not possess a 
tithe of the popularity which Stanhawon, the second 
chief, enjoyed. The latter was a bold, manly fellow ; 
a really brave man and a sagacious leader ; unusually 
successful in war, his parties never returned without 
either "hair or horses, 55 as was frequently the case 
with others, and his invariable good nature and lavish 
generosity rendered him a universal favorite with 
his people. He was a pure-blooded Camanche, and 
altogether, one of the finest specimens of his race I 
ever beheld. To him I am indebted for many acts of 
kindness, and but for his favor, the opportunity of 
which I availed myself for making my escape, might 
never have occurred. 



Mrs. Eastman in Costume. 



CHAPTEE XI. 



MRS. EASTMANS STORY. 

fHAD intended to relate the experiences of my 
wife in such a manner that they might serve as 
^£ a sequel to my narrative ; but on reflection, the 
® better plan seemed to be to portray, as graphi- 
cally as possible, the events that influenced her life, 
in separate chapters, so arranged that the account 
should be distinct, yet in point of time, contempora- 
neous. 

The scene of her captivity, and the treatment she 
received at the hands of her captors, have made such 
a vivid and lasting impression on my mind, that in 
speaking of them, I seem almost to have undergone 
the torture in my own person. In writing her story 
therefore, I shall speak in the first person. The read- 
er will, I think, see the superiority of this plan at a 
glance. 

"Who has not felt his pulse quicken, and his heart 
go out in warmest sympathy at the recital of some 
tale of flood or field, as told by an eye-witness, when 
the same evenis related by a third party will only 
awaken a mild interest in the minds of his hearers. 



96 



I crave the sympathetic attention of my readers, and 
this is my explanation for the plan I have adopted. 

After the assault on our party had culminated in 
the death of my poor father and brother, the Indians 
surrounded our wagon, and lifting the canvas flaps, 
discovered my mother and myself ensconced behind 
our bulwark of blankets and boxes. They bade us 
come out by gestures so menacing, and scowls so ter- 
rifying, that it had a contrary effect on us than the 
one they wished to produce; for instead of obeying 
the command, we only shrank back into corners more 
remote, vainly thinking that the bales and robes, with 
which loving hands had surrounded us, would form a 
sufficient protection against the dreaded savage. At 
this critical juncture, my poor mother swooned back 
into my arms, overcome by fright. Seeing that their 
commands were not obeyed, the foremost Indian 
climbed into the wagon, and rushing on us with up- 
lifted knife, grasped me by the hair and dragged me 
over the obstructions and out onto the ground. I 
cried aloud in my anguish, which only seemed to afford 
them the more amusement ; the savage who had per- 
formed the manly deed, displaying for the edification 
of his comrades, a quantity of my hair, which he still 
held in his clenched hand. The wagon and the plun- 
der it contained seemed to be the center of attraction. 
A dozen had entered in as many Seconds, and al- 
though the canvas top hid them from view, they 



91 



could be heard quarreling over the division of the 
spoils. 

During these fearful scenes, the events of years 
seemed crowding into minutes. Xever have I suffered 
such mental or bodily torture before or since. My facul- 
ties succumbed to the severe strain, and I found my. 
self falling into a kind of stupor, in vrhich, though 
perfectly conscious of all that vras transpiring, I seemed 
not to have been one of the principal actors, but an 
observer merely. Suddenly I was made aware that 
something unusual was taking place ; the Indians 
crowded about the wagon, all the time gesticulating 
wildly, and yelling in a blood-curdling manner. I 
heard voices raised as if in altercation within the 
wagon. Rising above the din I distinguished the 
loved tones of my mother's voice, as if crying for help, 
and entreating for mercy. The noise grows apace ; 
wild with terror, nerved with the resolution of despair, 
I rushed towards the wagon ; reaching it a sight meets 
my eyes that petrifies me with horror ; I try to move, 
speak, act ; my limbs and tongue refuse to obey my 
will ; this is what I see : A couple of brawny savages, 
maddened bv strong drink, stand over the kneeling 
figure of my mother, their eyes inflamed with satanic 
passion. Holding together her torn garments with 
one hand, she parries with feeble and fast declining 
strength their revolting advances. With a mighty 
effort she reaches up and snatches a knife from the 

belt of the savage nearest her, and with the rapidity 

7 



98 



of tliouglit plunges it into his body. He reels and 

falls against his companion. It is her last act on earth. 
With a yell of rage the tomahawk is lifted above her 
murderer's head, and descending is buried in her brain 
with a dull thud. A mist passes over my eyes ; my 
brain reels, and the last thins; of which I am conscious 
is the white tresses of my saintly mother, held high 
in air by this monster in human guise. God grant 
that it may never be my fate to pass through such 
scenes again. 

During the next twenty-four hours, my existence is 
that of an automaton merely. I know I am being 
conducted away from the spot where this awful trag- 
edy was enacted. I am mounted behind my guard, 
to whose waist I am firmly bound by raw hide thongs. 
We encamp in a belt of cotton woods, near a small 
stream. Fires are lighted, food prepared; some is 
offered me, but I turn away from it in disgust ; the 
hand that proffers the smoldng meat seems covered 
with blood. 

I am taken from my couch of skins at the foot of a 
tall tree, and led through the underbrush into an open 
space, where the main party are assembled. Emerg- 
ing into this clearing, my eyes fall upon my husband, 
who is approaching me from the other side of the en- 
campment. It was as if I saw one who had arisen 
from the dead ; with an effort I free myself, rush past 
the guard, and am in my husband's arms. Leaning 
my head on his shoulder, I give expression to my feel- 



99 



ings in tears ; they are the first I have shed, and seem 
to break the spell which has encircled me like an iron 
band. I am not long permitted to remain in my hus- 
band's embrace, as the Indian with an ugh ! expres- 
sive of displeasure, grasps Edwin by the arm, and rudely 
separates us ; we are led to opposite corners of the en- 
closure, there to await our departure, preparations 
for which are being rapidly completed. The lariats 
are coiled, blankets adjusted, and at a signal from the 
chief we mount, and defiling through the wood, emerge 
on the open prairie, pursuing our journey in Indian 
file. Before starting, one of our mules is brought up, 
on which I am mounted, a warrior riding by my side 
and holding in his hand a hair rope that passes through 
the bit ring that is attached to my animal. All day we 
keep up the march. Look in any direction and the eye 
meets one vast expanse of living verdure, the vision 
only interrupted by the horizon. North, south, east, 
and west stretches the prairie meadow, green as the 
sea, and in many respects not unlike the calm surface 
of the ocean. As the wind sweeps across its bosom, 
the silken blades bend in gentle undulations, and they 
are dappled into lighter and darker shades, like the 
shadows of summer clouds flitting across the sun. It 
was a scene of pure enjoyment, and I only realized, 
on being awakened from my day dreams how miser- 
able was my lot. 

With slight interruptions, notably when my husband 
was lost in the buffalo hunt, and his recapture, we 



100 



progressed steadily towards the village. On arriving 
I was taken at once to the temple, where I found my- 
self among some eight or ten more female captives, 
who had but recently arrived. They were Mexican 
women, and, not understanding their language, I felt 
somewhat constrained. I was attracted to one fragile 
looking girl, whose age could not have been more 
than fifteen. She appeared utterly heartbroken and 
cast down by her misfortunes. I suffered enough, 
God knows ; but my heart yearned towards this little 
stranger with tender sympathy ; and in comforting 
her I seemed to lessen my own burdens. Although 
the others were kind to her to a degree, yet she 
seemed to evince a fondness for my society that was 
very flattering. The others addressed her as " Zoe," 
and in this way I learned her name. Henceforth we 
became inseparable ; and as she accompanied me in 
my captivity, the reader will learn more of the sad 
history of this heroic girl, whose impulses, both of 
head and heart, added to her splendid courage, were 
the salient points in a character of surpassing sweet- 
ness. 

TVe were not allowed to leave the temple, although 
we were free to wander from terrace to terrace. Food 
and water was supplied us by the Indian women, 
who seemed to have us under their sole control. 

How can I describe the scenes of the next few days ; 
the games, festivities, and most horrible of all, the tor- 
ture ; when we were compelled to stand on the lower 



loi 



terrace, and witness the agonies and death struggles 
of fathers, husbands and lovers ; not even the poor 
consolation of indulging our grief undisturbed was 
permitted us ; the Indian women who surrounded us 
seemed lost to all feelings of pity and humanity, and 
when one of our number was suffering tortures of 
mind, little inferior to the physical pain undergone 
by the object of her devotion, the fiends would give 
vent to derisive cries and jeers that were maddening 
to the poor creature. 

One of the Mexicans, whose father and lover were 
burned to death before her eyes, suffered such poig- . 
nant anguish that her reason gave way, and she was 
borne inside the temple a raving maniac. 

After the events just related, nothing of moment 
occurred to break the monotony of our captivity. "We 
were confined to our quarters under a surveillance that 
did not relax for a moment. It. was understood that 
we were awaiting the announcement that was to de- 
cide what our future lot should be. 

The Mexicans learned from our attendants that the 
chiefs had decided to share the female captives 
with their Apache visitors ; the selection to be made 
by lot. 

I had not seen my husband but once since we en- 
tered the village, and that sight was fraught with the 
most painful emotions. I knew, however, that for the 
present he was safe ; the future I confided to Him 
whose loving care would protect and aid us in our 



102 



trials. During this time my mind was in a state of 
complete despondency ; no bright visions of future 
liberty and happiness came to relieve the dreary fore- 
bodings that oppressed me. In my wildest imagin- 
ings of the suffering that might be my portion, I did 
not approach the realities of my future existence. 
Those dark days of toil and degradation which suc- 
ceeded each other in unvarying monotony, with blows 
for a welcome, and kicks as an incentive to labor. 
Even at this remote period I cannot recall the experi- 
ences of those times without a shudder; when the 
horizon of hope was environed by the dull blank of 
despair ; and as each year dragged its weary length 
along, it almost seemed as if I was, 

" The world forgetting, 
And by the world forgot" 



CHAPTER XII. 



MRS. EASTMANS STORY CONTINUED. 

NE morning we were aroused quite early, onr 
guard informing us that the lots had been cast 
and the captives disposed of. We were divided 
into equal numbers, the home tribe retaining 
one half, while their visitors appropriated the re- 
mainder. 

We quickly descended to the ground floor of the 
temple, and clustering about the door leading into 
the village street, awaited the final word from the 
chief, that was to deliver us into the hands of our 
new masters. On occasions like the present, the 
whole community was in a ferment of excitement, 
and crowded around us in great numbers, each more 
anxious than the other to have a view of the bartered 
captives. The Apaches seemed to be particularly 
anxious to take stock of their new acquisitions, and 
not a few scrimmages occurred between them and the 
Camanche women on this account. The men elbowed 
and the women bit and clawed at a furious rate. It 
might have been very amusing, but unluckily we 
came in for our share of the blows and objurgations. 





104 



The mob pushed us against the walls of the temple so 
violently that we were in imminent danger of suffo- 
cation. To escape, and free ourselves from this un- 
pleasant situation, it became necessary to exert our- 
selves and deal blows at the surging crowd, and in 
this way keep them back. 

Of course, such measures on our part met with a 
ready response, and soon we were in the midst of a 
row that threatened to assume large proportions. A 
chief who happened to be passing at the time, dashed 
into the crowd and soon quelled the rioters. Had it 
not been for .this timely assistance we should certainly 
have been crushed to death. After a time we were 
left in comparative quiet ; most of the idlers betaking 
themselves to the various groups scattered over the 
plain. Some of these parties attracted quite a num- 
ber of spectators, and judging from their animated 
gestures, something of a very interesting character 
was taking place. One of the Indian women inform- 
ed me that they were probably gambling. 

My attention was attracted to a small lodge, about 
one hundred yards to our right. Something of unu- 
sual moment seemed to be taking place. "Warriors 
were seen to enter, and others would emerge and go 
in different directions, as if in great haste, and on 
urgent business. Pennants were flying from poles on 
the roof, and altogether the place presented a gala 
appearance. On inquiry, I learned that this was the 
council lodge, and that at the present moment, the 



105 



final negotiations for our barter were being consum- 
mated. A short time afterwards, the chiefs and their 
attendants defiled into the street and approached us. 
Meantime, the number of horses that had been agreed 
upon as an equivalent for the captives, were brought 
up and delivered over to their purchasers. 

Just as I was brought forth to be delivered over to 
the Apache chief, my glance was arrested by the figure 
of my husband, who stood upon the outskirts of the 
circle. The recognition was simultaneous, and with 
a cry of joy I sprang towards him, but was instantly 
grasped by a savage and thrown violently back among 
my companions. The Apache chief put a small whistle 
to his lips, and blowing a shrill blast, soon assembled 
his party. I struggled to free myself from my tor- 
mentors and rush to my husband, but my efforts were 
of no avail. Half fainting, and wild wuth the agony of 
this rude parting, I was taken out on the plain, where 
the bulk of the party were making their preparations 
to depart. 

The pickets were drawn, lariats coiled, and the 
horses brought up. Every warrior had provided him- 
self with an extra horse, on which to mount his newly 
acquired property, but for some reason we were 
mounted on the horses ridden by our captors, and it 
was not until the next day that we made use of the 
" extra " horses. 

The Indians rode without saddles, as is their cus- 
tom when on the war trail, but the women were pro- 



106 



vided with saddles ; these saddles were peculiar con- 
trivances, and the best description of them that occurs 
to me, is to have the reader picture to himself an 
ordinary saw-buck with the top cut off, so as to leave 
an inverted V. There were two of these fastened to- 
gether by parallel strips of wood about eighteen inches 
in length ; this was placed on the mustang's back, and 
a buffalo robe thrown over it, and fastened by a girth. 
Stirrups depended from the lateral sticks that kept 
the Y's in position. The horse's bridles were mostly 
composed of hair, in some instances, however, they 
were of leather worked and stamped into elaborate 
designs; these were, no doubt, the fruits of their 
foray among the Mexican pueblas. 

We were mounted man fashion, each riding by the 
side of the Indian who claimed us as his property. 
Farewells having been exchanged, lances were poised, 
bows and quivers slung, and amid a fearful uproar of 
voices, intermingled with the howling of dogs, we 
took our departure. As we passed through the village 
I strained my eyes to catch a glimpse of my husband, 
but even this poor consolation was denied me. 

Passing up the valley we entered the canon, tra- 
versing its rocky bed for a distance of several hundred 
yards ; on entering this gloomy pass, we formed into 
single file, each captive falling into line immediately 
in the rear of her guard ; this order was henceforth 
maintained throughout the journey. Leaving the 
canon we debouched upon an arid plain, and con- 



107 



tinned our line of march along tlie bank of the 
stream. The first clay's journey was devoid of inter- 
est ; we traversed long stretches of sandy plain, with 
scarcely any signs of vegetation, save here and there 
a clump of sage brush, or the wild pita plant, whose 
stalk towered into the air like a sign-post to guide the 
wanderer over these sandy wastes. The cactus and 
fetid creosote plant lined our path, the latter giving 
forth a most disagreeable odor as it was crushed be- 
neath the horses' hoofs. Towards night we approached 
the base of a mountain, and entering a grove of wil- 
lows and cottonwoods, halted, and dismounting, made 
preparations to encamp. The horses were staked out 
on the prairie and allowed to crop the gramma grass. 
The long lances were firmly planted in the soil, and 
bow, quiver, and shield, deposited on the ground in 
close proximity, together with the buffalo robes and 
bear skins. After watering the stock at the sma]l 
stream that ran through the grove, wood was collected 
and fires built. 

Around these fires clustered the dusky warriors 
cooking the evening meal, which consisted of tasajo, 
and the nuts gathered from the pinon, which were 
roasted in the ashes. Long into the night the feasting 
was kept up, and as the fires languished fresh fuel 
was thrown on until they were blazing and crackling 
more cheerily than ever. The flames caused the 
forms of the savages to stand out in bold relief against 
the dark background of the surrounding gloom, and 



108 

lighting up their faces displayed in all its fantastic 
repulsiveness, the war paint with which their bodies 
were bedaubed. 

Early the next morning the march was resumed. 
Towards noon the heat became so intense as to be 
hardly endurable, still we pushed forward with un- 
varying speed. After journeying in a southerly direc- 
tion for a few hours we defiled into the bed of a river 
and followed its course for several hundred yards, 
when, striking a new trail, our course was laid in a 
westerly direction. The character of the country 
underwent a complete change ; instead of the sandy 
desert, we were now passing over a prairie clothed 
with verdure. At intervals we would enter dense 
thickets of chaparral, and then emerge into glades, 
that were veritable fiower gardens. At evening a 
halt was called, but only long enough to water the 
horses, and partake of a hasty meal ; and continuing 
the march we forged ahead with increased speed. I 
judged by the animated gestures of the Indians that 
we were nearing our destination; my conjectures were 
not ill-founded, as about midnight we entered a valley, 
and passing through green fields, came in view of the 
lodges of the Apache encampment. Our approach 
was heralded by the barking of dogs, and soon we 
were surrounded by a vast multitude of women and 
children, who greeted the returning braves with great 
enthusiasm. 

We halted in the center of the village, and presently 



109 



a large fire was blazing in front of the chiefs lodge, 
around which the warriors assembled. The captives 
were placed in a row to one side, and except to be 
stared at by the women no farther attention was taken 
of us. Each brave seemed bent on feasting himself, 
and while we were left to suffer the pangs of hunger 
and thirst, our masters indulged in gluttony of a most 
riotous and bestial nature. As the night advanced 
more fuel was added to the fires, until they crackled 
and blazed with tremendous fury. It was not long 
before the remains of the feast were cleared away, and 
the Indians reassembled, each with tomahawk in one 
hand, and a rattle in the other ; then began the scalp 
dance, with which these tribes always celebrate their 
successful forays. 

A number of young women are selected who step 
into the ring, and holding up the recently taken 
scalps, begin a low chant. The braves circle round, 
brandishing weapons of various kinds, whilst they 
distort their faces and bodies into the most horrid 
shapes. Simultaneously jumping into the air, they 
come down on both feet with a blow and thrust of 
their weapons, while it would appear as if they were 
indulging in the most horrible butchery. Darting 
about their glaring eye-balls, as if actuated by the 
most fiendish passions. As the dance continues the 
excitement grows apace ; the bystanders wave their 
torches and urge the actors on to renewed endeavor. 
The scene becomes one wild orgie, in which the lowest 



110 



and most blood-thirsty passions are excited. The 
drums continue beating, the women shriek, men yell, 
dogs bark, and the whole scene becomes wild and 
terrible in the extreme, description can do justice 
to this remarkable performance, but once seen it 
leaves a vivid impress on the mind that time can 
never efface. 

The dance was continued until the stars gradually 
disappeared, and the gray streaks of dawn ushered in 
the new day. Tired, and trembling with nervous 
excitement, I was conducted within the lodge ; and 
throwing myself on the ground, I sought that repose 
that my body and mind so much needed. 



CHAPTEK XIII. 

* mes. Eastman's story cootixued. 

EAKS have dragged their slow length along; 
once again I am surrounded by friends, and a 
husband's love shields me from the persecutions 
cj of a cruel captivity : yet, scenes and incidents of 
that terrible time recur to my memory with a vivid- 
ness only too real. The capture, torture, and fatiguing 
marches, have left their imprint on my memory in 
ineffaceable characters. These were, however, but 
the overture to the drama. My intense sufferings 
commenced, and were comprised in the nine years of 
my life among the Apaches. 

I had passed a restless night; my couch was 
haunted by dreams of ill omen, and it was with a sigh 
of relief that I saw the morning's rays peeping through 
the crevices of our lodge of skins. I was enabled to 
look upon my surroundings, and take stock of my 
future home. The lodge was circular in form, measur- 
ing a. circumference of about fifty feet at the base, 
narrowing as it ex-tended upwards, until a space of 
about six feet was left open at the top ; the frame- 
work consisted of poles driven firmly into the ground, 



112 



and held in position by a covering of dressed buffalo 
skins. The floor in the center of the lodge was de- 
pressed sufficiently to form a fire-place, in which a 
few glowing embers could yet be seen. Hanged 
around the walls were the beds, seven hi number, 
which were occupied by the chief and his six wives. 
I, of course, was included in the number. Some of 
the beds were tastefully draped with curtains of 
dressed skins, ornamented in various styles. The bed 
of the chief was perhaps the most gorgeous; on it 
could be seen the labor of five jealous women, each 
more anxious than the other to propitiate her lord by 
some extravagance of decoration, which would deflect 
the sunshine of his favor on her head to the envy and 
exclusion of the remaining members of the family. 
Suspended from stakes driven into the ground near 
the head of his couch rested the implements of war- 
fare ; lance, shield, bow, and quiver, together with the 
deadly tomahawk and murderous scalping knife. Ex- 
tended along a line that bisected the wigwam, at a 
distance of perhaps twelve feet from the floor, were 
the scalps of his enemies. Judging from the great 
quantity of these ghastly trophies, my master was a 
man of immense valor and shocking brutality. 

Soon there was a movement, the curtains of one of 
the beds parted, and the head, shoulders and body of 
a tawny savage appeared. Leaving the lodge for 
a short time, she again returned with an armful of 
brush which she threw upon the fire ; then falling up 



113 



on her knees she blew the smoldering embers into a 
bright flame. The noise of the crackling wood 
aroused the others, and soon all the women were en- 
gaged in their household duties ; one busied herself 
in preparing the morning meal ; another was collect- 
ing into one pile a number of queer looking instru- 
ments, with whose use I was to become acquainted 
onlv too soon ; still another, was devoting her atten- 
tion to a young babe. Thus all were occupied. I 
was not long allowed to remain in undisturbed pos- 
session of my quarters. The woman in charge of the 
cauldron placed over the fire called for assistance, all 
were too busy to lend her aid, and one suggested that 
I should be aroused. This remark was received with 
general approbation, and soon I was on the floor, lift- 
ing kettles, fetching fresh fuel, and in fact, doing the 
bidding of my task-makers as best I might. This 
was the commencement of a life of unceasing toil. I 
was the pariah of our little community ; having no 
rights that compelled respect, and being looked upon 
with feelings of suspicion and distrust by the Indian 
women, I was driven to perform the menial tasks and 
endure the ill-treatment of those who were only too 
happy, to visit on my unoffending and unresisting 
body, the ill-treatment they had to endure from higher 
quarters. 

IBreakfast being ready, the chief was aroused and 
the family clustered around the fire, attacking the 
contents of the kettle. To have seen them eat, one 



m 

would have supposed that they had been strangers to 
food for a very long period ; food was not eaten, it 
was devoured. After having partaken of the cakes 
of maize and tassajo, the work of the day began. 
Ivlahtocheega, of course, did nothing but smoke his 
k'neek k'nick and lounge about the lodge. His fav- 
orite pastime was to lie at full length in front of the 
door, and like any dog, bask in the rays of the 
sun. 

It was now the planting season, and from morn till 
night we were in the field, breaking the ground and 
sowing the grain. The implements used, were of a 
very rude character, the hoes being fashioned from 
the shoulder bone of the bison ; the earth was broken 
by these, and all the cultivation that was required was 
performed with the aid of this article. Such was the 
great fertility of the soil, that maize and squashes 
grew almost spontaneously when planted. All 
through the day, we were compelled to stoop and bend 
over the ground, while the sun's rays becoming more 
and more intense, made life intolerable. Did we lag 
but for a moment, the ever vigilant eye of some adja- 
cent Indian would note the movement, and swooping 
down on us would urge us to renewed exertion, by 
word or blow. 

My first day's experience in this species of farming, 
was excruciating agony. Beiug unskilled in the use 
of a hoe, I bruised myself severely, for, instead of 
breaking the soil, I came down with full force on my 



115 



own limbs and feet ; at such times a groan of agony 
would escape me, which, instead of eliciting sympathy, 
would only excite laughter. Maimed and bleeding, I 
toiled on, and wishing, oh! so fervently, that the next 
blow might be on my head, instead of the inferior 
parts of my body. Towards evening, my torture be 
came unendurable, and throwing my tired body on 
the ground, I determined not to work longer, let the 
consequences be what they may. This conduct was 
so entirely unexpected, that it took my captors by sur- 
prise, and finding blows of no avail, they desisted, 
and left me to suffer alone. I had to be carried 
home, much to the disgust of those whose duty it was 
to bear the burden ; arriving at the lodge, ointment 
was prepared from the juice expressed from the leaves 
of the pita plant, and being applied to my bruised 
limbs, soon allayed the inflammation and soreness. 

A brief description of this remarkable plant may 
not be without interest to the reader ; what the zamias 
is to the East Indian, the pita plant is to the Southern 
Indian — it is food, medicine, stimulant, and clothing. 
It is to be found in the greatest abundance along the 
great American desert, near the base of the Rocky 
Mountains. In places where it would seem impossible 
for living plants to thrive, there may be found the 
lechuguilla, its stalk rising to the height of twenty 
feet, and its thorny leaves branching out in clusters 
along its length ; its fiber is made into rope ; the sap 
expressed from its leaves, when boiled to the consist- 



116 



ency of honey is an admirable dressing for wounds, 
causing light cuts to cicatrize almost immediately, and 
even ugly gashes will yield to it in time. The juice 
distilled, produces the fiery mezcal^ familiarly known 
among the trappers as "pass whiskey." It is made 
quite extensively at El Paso, hence the sobriquet. 
The egg-shaped core, when cooked, yields a thick, 
transparent body, similar to jelly ; it is very nutritious, 
and is used to a great extent by one branch of the 
Apaches, who bake it with horse-flesh ; this tribe is 
called by the frontiersmen, mezcaleros on this ac- 
count. 

"Without; the aid of this plant, there are seasons 
when the Lipans, Apaches, and Camanches would 
perish from starvation. Too much cannot be said in 
praise of the wild aloe ; it is one of the many striking 
instances in which an all-wise Providence has furn- 
ished man with a medicine and food combined. The 
laboratory of nature is full of similar plants whose use 
are as yet imperfectly known, and have perhaps never 
been applied to the relief of the suffering. 

During my sojourn among the Indians I became 
familiar with the names and uses of many of these 
roots and plants, which I believe were never before 
known to civilized man. 

Several months had elapsed, the com was planted 
and had nearly ripened. As I became hardened by 
exposure and toil, my lot seemed somewhat softened ; 
I say seemed mitigated ; the work was none the less 



117 



arduous, only my capacity to bear toil had been 
strengthened. 

One day, Eeh-nis-kin (the crystal stone), intimated 
that I was to be branded ; this intelligence filled me 
with terror. I had never seen any one marked in 
this manner, and I presumed the process was a painful 
one. After having finished the morning's work I had 
retired into the lodge, in order to complete some gar- 
ments I was making for Eehniskin's little boy, when 
a messenger arrived, announcing that the medicine 
man wished to see me, and bade me follow him. Ar- 
riving at the lodge in the center of the village, I 
joined a throng of captives, who like myself had been 
summoned to appear and receive the mark of bondage. 
Presently the crowd gave way, and the " kush-sh " 
that was echoed from mouth to mouth, warned us of 
the approach of Pa-nis-ka-soo-pa . (the two crows), the 
high priest and great medicine of the nation. We 
were required to form a ring, leaving a space of some 
thirty feet in diameter. Silence reigned supreme ; 
nothing was heard save the light tinkling of the rat- 
tles upon his dress, as he cautiously and slowly moved 
through the avenue left for him. He neared us with 
a slow and tilting step, his body and head entirely 
covered with the skin of a yellow bear, the head of 
which served as a mask to his own, which was inside 
of it ; the huge bear's claws were dangling on his 
wrists and ankles. In one hand he shook a frightful 
rattle, with the other he brandished his medicine spear, 



118 



to the rattling din of which he added the wild and 
startling veils and jump of the Indian, and the apal- 
ling grunts and snarls of the grizzly bear. After 
prancing around us for a short time, he built a small 
fire, and threw into it some bits of bluish clay, 
which turned black when subjected to the fierce heat ; 
these were then pounded into fine powder. Taking 
a sharp-pointed stick, he pricked our chins in semi- 
circles with the point of this stick dipped in a lotion 
of the powdered clay and a blackish gum, which he 
poured from a stone vial. The sensation was as if one 
was sticking needles into your face. Soon after the 
operation was performed the skin began to burn and 
the punctured portion inflame ; it then became very 
painful, but an application of the never-failing aloe 
soothed the inflammation. This was the ceremony of 
branding, and I carry the scar, and will continue to 
wear it to my latest hours. 

Returning to the lodge, I was greeted with jeers and 
derisive laughter by the women of my household ; the 
dogs joined in the uproar, barking, perhaps, because 
others pointed the finger of scorn at me, and to be in 
sympathy with their masters. Even the filthy little 
children raised their tiny voices, accompanying their 
laughter with volleys of stones and sticks, thus 

" Catching at little bits of fun and glee, 
That's played on dogs enslaved, by dogs that's free." 



CHAPTEE XIV. 



HOPES AKD FEAKS AST ADVEXTURE. 

OB, OYer two years my life was one unvarying 
monotony ; a ceaseless round of toil. Day after 
day I was occupied with my duties in the labor- 
atory, or in gathering roots and herbs for the 
preparation of the medicine. 

The daily life of the village presented a wearying 
sameness after I had become accustomed to its more 
novel peculiarities. There was little of excitement or 
interest in my surroundings. At first the arrival and 
departure of war parties, or the bands, who at regular 
intervals went forth to hunt, or to steal horses, at- 
tracted much of my attention ; but eventually all 
these became tiresome ; for when you have seen one 
of these gatherings, you have seen all, so little do they 
differ. 

Many times I accompanied "Wakometkla in his trips 
beyond the valley, in search of - those ingredients for 
his medicine, which could not be procured within its 
limits. I had not yet abandoned the idea of escape, 
should an opportunity offer, and I had hoped that in 
these expeditions beyond the valley, I might find the 



120 



occasion for which. I longed. But in this regard for- 
tune did not favor rae; I was always too closely 
watched to make the attempt with any hope of success ; 
and it was not long before I satisfied myself, that even 
if I should succeed in getting clear of the valley, there 
was very little chance of my finding my way back to 
civilization. Gazing from the summit of one of the 
" spurs " of the mountain range east of the valley, I 
found my path to liberty barred by the desert, which 
stretched for many miles to the north and east. South- 
ward, the prospect was scarcely more inviting ; the 
country was almost equally barren, although more 
broken, and affording a better chance for concealment. 
But I knew that the expert Indian " trackers " would 
find my trail, no matter what course I might take ; 
and an attempt to escape on foot could only result in 
my being overtaken, brought back, and probably tor- 
toed ; for not even the influence of the high-priest 
himself would avail to save me, if detected in an effort 
to escape. With a good horse, success was possible ; 
although it was an open question, whether I would be 
able to find my way through a country of which I 
knew so little. It seemed far more probable that I 
would either perish in the desert, or only survive its 
dangers to fall into the hands of other savages, more 
cruel and relentless than the tribe of which I had be- 
come an unwilling member. So I reluctantly con- 
cluded that the idea of flight must be abandoned, 
unless unforseen circumstances should arise, giving 



121 



me a far better opportunity than had as yet offered. 
That 1 should ever meet with such an occasion, how- 
ever, was altogether unlikely ; and in time, the very 
thought of escape was almost entirely banished from 
my mind. 

In the autumn of the second year of my captivity, 
the monotony of my existence was broken by a rather 
exciting adventure ; and as it is the only experience 
of the kind I ever met with, I will briefly narrate it. 

In company with "Wakonietkla, I had gone in the 
early morning to the lower end of the valley to pro- 
cure an herb, called by the Camanches "Iakara," 
which grew in great abundance along the sides of the 
cliffs. Hitherto we had been able to gather it at a 
short distance from the village, but having used it in 
large quantities, we had stripped the shrubbery on 
both sides of the valley of all that was fit for use, and 
were every day compelled to go to a greater distance, in 
order to obtain it in sufficient quantities. Hence on 
this occasion we had reached a distance of nearly ten 
miles from the village, before we were able to collect 
enough for our purpose. By this time we were con- 
siderably fatigued by our exertions, and sat down at 
the base of the cliff to rest and partake of such simple 
fare as we had brought with us. 

TThile thus occupied, my attention was attracted by 
an animal which suddenly appeared upon a ledge far 
above our heads. A singular animal it was, and 
would naturally excite the curiosity of any one who 



122 



beheld it for the first time: to roe, hov - -er, it was 
no stranger, as I had frequently see:. . fners of the 
same species upon the cliffs bordering the valley, al- 
though I had never before had so favorable an oppor- 
tunity for a close examination. Commonly knovm 
as the "Big Horn" or "Rocky Mountain Sheep." and 
found inhabiting all the mountain ranges which di- 
vide the continent, it seems a sort of cross between 
goat and sheep, having much of the appearance of the 
latter, with more of the habits of the former. 

Standing upon a rocky ledge which jutted out 
from the face of the cliff, it surveyed us with great 
apparent curiosity, and without any signs of tear. As 
soon as I perceived it, I sprang to my feet, and seiz- 
ing my bow, in the use of which I had become quite 
expert, I quickly sent an arrow through the unsus- 
pecting animal, and it tumbled headlong from its Lofty 
perch and fell dead at ray feet. Wakometkla, who 
had been rather taken by surprise by the suddenness 
of my movements, now came up to me and praised 
my skill and quickness ; he then condescended to 
assist me in skinning and cutting up the cascass. TTe 
then packed in the skin, such portions of the meat as 
we could carry with us, and hung the rest upon a 
tree, high enough to be out of the reach of the wolves 
and coyotes, so that we could return or send for it if 
we chose to do so. 

I supposed that we were to return at once to the vil- 
lage, but my companion directed me to remain, as he 



123 



wished to proceed down the valley a short distance, 
in search of a species of bark for which we had been 
looking during our ramble, but had been unable to 
obtain. Telling me that he would return in a few 
minutes, he started off and was soon lost to view in 
the thicket. 

Reclining upon the ground I filled my pipe with the 
" k'neck k'nick," or Indian tobacco, and proceeded to 
make myself as comfortable as possible. Wakomet- 
kla's absence was prolonged far beyond what I had 
expected, and I was considering the advisability of 
starting in search of him, when a sound reached my 
ears as of some one breaking through the undergrowth, 
and concluding that it was my master returning, I laid 
back and abandoned myself to the contemplation of 
the blue smoke wreaths that curled above my head. 
As the sounds came nearer, I began to doubt whether 
it could be Wakometkla after all, for his progress 
through the thick undergrowth that skirted the valley, 
was usually comparatively noiseless, but I was so ab- 
sorbed in my own reflections, that I did not give it a 
second thought, but lazily awaited the appearance of 
the new comer, whatever he or it might be. In a few 
moments the mystery was solved, and in a manner the 
reverse of pleasant. Emerging from the dense un- 
dergrowth through which he had forced his way, the 
new arrival entered the little clearing near whose cen- 
ter I was reclining, and on turning to discover what 
had occasioned the noises I had heard, I beheld an 



124 



object that sent a thrill of terror to my heart, and 
for a moment rendered me incapable of motion. The 
object in question, was a large animal, which I at 
once recognized as the grizzly hear ; the most dreaded 
of all creatures that inhabit this region. 



CHAPTEE XV. 



TREED BY A GRIZZLY. 




HE bear was one of the largest of his kind, but 
it was not so much his size that impressed me 



with fear, as the knowledge of his fierce nature. 
It is true, that personally I knew but little of 
the habits of the animal, although this was not my 
first introduction to "old Ephraim," but from the 
tales of the Indians, I had learned enough to cause 
me to feel certain that I was in deadly peril. When 
my eyes first rested on the monster, he had just 
emerged from the thicket at the same point at which 
"Wakometkla had entered it. On reaching the open 
ground he advanced a pace or two, and then halting, 
reared himself up and stood upon his hind legs, at the 
same time uttering a sound which resembled the 
" blowing" of hogs when suddenly startled in the 
forest. He remained in this upright attitude for some 
moments, rubbing his head with his fore paws and 
playing them about like a monkey ; in fact, as he stood 
facing me, he looked not unlike a gigantic ape. He 
was of a yellowish red color, with legs and feet nearly 
black, but color is no characteristic among these ani- 



126 



mals, scarce two of them being alike in this particu- 
lar. 

To say that I was not terrified by the arrival of this 
unwelcome intruder, would be to state an untruth. 
I was frightened, horribly frightened, and with good 
reason. To suppose that he would not attack me 
would have been absurd ; I knew that in nine cases 
out of ten, the grizzly bear is the assailant ; that no 
animal in America will willingly engage in combat 
with him, and that man himself shuns the encounter, 
unless well mounted, and even then, the prudent hun- 
ter always gives " old Ephraim," as the u mountain 
men call him, a " wide berth," and rides on without 
interfering with him, unless the ground is perfectly 
open, so that his horse is not likely to be impeded. 

The white hunter considers the killing of a grizzly 
bear a feat of prowess equal to the destruction of Mod 
Indians ; while to the Indian, the destruction of one 
of these animals is one of the greatest feats in his 
life's history. Among Indian braves, a necklace of 
bear's claws is a badge of honor, since they can only 
be worn by a man who has himself slain the animals 
from which they have been taken. On the con- 
trary, the grizzly bear fears no antagonist ; he attacks 
the largest animals on sight. The moose, the elk, the 
buffalo, or wild horse, if caught is instantly 'killed. 
A blow from his paw will lay open the fiesh as if 
gashed with an axe. and he can draff the bodv of a 
full grown buffalo, to almost any distance. Ho 



rushes upon nian without the slightest hesitation, and 
frequently a dozen hunters "will retreat at his approach. 
Nearly twenty bullets have on some occasions been 
fired into the body of a grizzly, without killing him, 
and only a shot through the brain or heart is certainly 
mortal. 

With such sanguinary fierceness of disposition and 
extraordinary tenacity of life, it is no wonder the 

zzly bear is a creature to be dreaded. Had he the 
swiftness of the lion or tiger, his haunts would be in- 
approachable by man, and he would be a far more 
terrible assailant than either. Fortunately, however, 
he is slow compared with the horse, although he can 
easily outrun a man, and there is another peculiarity 
about him, which detracts somewhat from the danger 
of an encounter with this savage beast, he is not a 
tree cliircber, and many a life has been saved by this 
circumstance ; for although he does not affect the for- 
est, there is usually some timber 'in the vicinity of his 
haunts, and in many instances his intended victim has 
saved himself by taking refuge in a tree. 

Knowing well, by hearsay, all these facts, you can 
easily imagine my feelings, at finding myself face to 
face with one of these fierce animals, alone and with- 
out weapons, save my bow and arrows and knife. It 
is true, there was abundance of timber near at hand, 
but unfortunately the bear was decidedly nearer to 
me than any tree of sufficient size to promise a safe 
refuge. On lying down, I had, without thought, 



128 



placed myself in the very center of the clearing, and 
I found myself at least one hundred yards from any 
of the larger trees ; the bear had approached before 
halting, to within about eighty yards, and stood 
watching me, apparently surprised at our rencontre. 
Without doubt he would overtake me before I could 
reach and ascend a tree, and I was fairly bewildered 
by the utter helplessness of my situation. 

These reflections occupy many minutes of your time 
to read ; I thought them in as many seconds. In- 
deed, I had not time to form a plan of either defense 
or escape, when my antagonist, evidently concluding 
that I was fair game, dropped upon all fours, uttered 
a loud roar and rushed upon me with open mouth ; 
simultaneously, I turned and fled with all ray speed. 

Before I had covered half the distance that sepa- 
rated me from the tree towards which I had directed 
my flight, he was almost at my heels, and I had about 
determined to stop and engage in the desperate conflict 
that seemed inevitable, when his attention was at- 
tracted by an object in his path, and although the halt 
he made was but momentary, it enabled me to gain 
some ground, and I ran on with redoubled speed. 
The object in question was none other than the car- 
cass of the "big horn," which ■ lay fresh and bloody, 
rolled up in the skin, directly in my line of flight. 
The bear pawed it over, snatched a hasty mouthful, 
and then resumed the pursuit ; but his brief hesitation 
had been mv salvation, and I had reached the tree 



129 



which I had selected before he could overtake me. 
My climbing experience gained during my expe- 
ditions with TYakometkla, now stood me in good 
stead, and I " shinned " up the tree with the agility 
of a monkey. I had no time to spare, however, for 
my ursine friend reached the base of the tree before I 
had ascended far enough to be entirely out of reach, 
and rearing up, succeeded in getting a slight hold of 
my right foot. I clung to the tree with the despera- 
tion of despair, and the moccasin giving way, I soon 
drew myself above his reach, with no other injury 
than a severe scratch. . In a few seconds 1 was safely 
ensconced among the branches, about thirty feet from 
the ground, while my baffled antagonist was walking 
round and round it, uttering growls of rage, and 
stripping the bark from the tree with his terrible claws. 

During my hasty flight I had slung my bow across 
my back, and had fortunately preserved it safely. My 
quiver, well filled with arrows, being attached to my 
person by a belt, I was well supplied with ammuni- 
tion ; and thinking it about time to commence offen- 
sive operations, I secured myself to the tree with 
strips of leather cut from my shoulder belt, and com- 
menced trying my skill as an archer, with the bear as 
a living and movable target. Owing to my cramped 
position in the tree, my aim was necessarily uncertain, 
and many of my shafts went wide of the mark ; still, 
I did succeed in hitting the brute several times, but 

with no other effect than to increase his rage and 

9 



130 



apparent determination to watch until lie should tire 
Hie out, and overcome by fatigue or sleep, I might 
fall from the tree, and thus become an easy victim. 
Seeing this, I desisted after a while, and settled my- 
self down to wait as patiently as I might for him to 
tire of his watch, or for relief of some sort to arrive. 
Perhaps an hour had elapsed when I heard a noise on 
the opposite side of the clearing, and on looking in that 
direction I saw TTakometkla just emerging from the 
woods. The bear saw him at the same instant, and 
abandoning his post of sentinel, rushed towards his 
new enemy. The old Indian waited long enough to 
discharge three or four arrows with great rapidity, and 
then ascended the nearest tree with a rapidity quite 
surprising in a man of his age and build. Two of his 
shots had taken effect — that is, they had hit the bear ; 
but they caused no diminution of his energy or fierce- 
ness. He rushed to the base of the tree, and vented 
his rage in stripping the bark from its trunk. Find- 
ing that his intended prey had escaped him, he soon 
desisted from this occupation, and returning to the 
carcass of the "big horn," began devouring it, at the 
same time keeping a constant watch upon our move- 
ments, so as to preclude the possibility of our slipping 
away. In spite of the uncomfortable nature of our 
position, I could not help laughing at the ludicrous 
picture we presented, perched in the trees like a 
couple of monkeys, hardly daring to move lest we 
might lose our hold and tumble into the clutches of 



131 



our unpleasant neighbor. The bear soon finished 
his repast, indeed it was but a mouthful to an animal 
of his size and appetite, and he commenced talking 
back and forth between the two trees in which we were 
severally ensconced, evidently trying to form some 
plan by which he could get at us. But his cogitations 
apparently resulted in nothing ; and in fact, we were 
not at all disturbed as to the probability of his being 
able to reach us. TTe knew that we were perfectly 
safe in our lofty retreat, but how long we might have 
to remain there was another matter, and I for one 
was decidedly wearied of my airy prison. I knew 
that no search would be made for us for several days, 
as we frequently remained absent two or three days 
at a time when on these expeditions. Our only hope 
was that our self-appointed jailor might weary of the 
task he had set himself, or be compelled to go in 
search of food or water; and in that case we could 
improve the opportunity, and get out of reach without 
difficulty. For hour after hour, however, he kept up 
his sentinel-like tramp from tree to tree ; at times 
varying the monotony of his proceedings by frantic 
attacks upon their trunks. The tree to which I had 
retreated was not more than eighteen inches in diam- 
eter, and I was not without fear at one time that he 
would succeed in demolishing it altogether, and bring- 
ing me " down by the run." I was not destined, 
however, to find out whether he was able to accom- 
plish that feat or not, for after tearing away at it for 



132 



a while, and making the splinters fly in a rather 
alarming manner, he seemed to tire of it, and resumed 
his patrolling between the two trees. 

The day had worn away to near its close, and 1 was 
contemplating the unpleasant prospect before me of 
passing the night in my very uncomfortable quarters, 
when the sound of hoof-strokes reached my ears. 
Looking out through the opening, upon the plain, I 
saw a party of about a dozen Indians riding leisurely 
up the valley, evidently one of the hunting parties on 
their return. They were nearly a mile from our po- 
sition, but in these elevated regions sounds can be 
heard at almost incredible distances, and I at once 
shouted at the top of my voice, to attract their atten- 
tion. TTakometkla did the same, and we were evi- 
dently heard, for they halted for a moment, and after 
a glance in our direction, galloped towards us. As they 
n^ared us I expected to see the bear take himself off 
without ceremony, but to my surprise, he showed no 
signs of such an intention. On the contrary, when 
they had passed about half the distance at first sepa- 
rating us, he advanced to the edge of the plain and 
stood as if inviting attack. The Indians rode up to 
within a few rods of the grizzly, and then seeing us 
in our haven of safety they realized the situation at a 
glance, and burst into uproarious laughter. This 
seemed to irritate the grizzly, for he uttered a roar of 
rage and rushed fiercely at them ; then ensued an ex- 
citing and amusing scene. 



133 



The Indians at first used only the lasso, and in a 
few seconds three or four of them had " roped him," 
and by spurring up their horses, he was dragged first 
one way and then another, making frantic efforts to 
free himself, and growling savagely all the while. 
Xeanwhile the other horsemen rode up as near as 
safety would permit, and fairly riddled him with 
arrows. Overcome by superior numbers, " old Eph," 
at length succumbed to his fate, and a few lance 
thrusts soon put an end to his existence. 

"VTakometkla and myself quickly descended from 
our tree fortresses and joined the party, who greeted 
us with exclamations expressive of satisfaction, at hav- 
ing rescued us from our unpleasant predicament. The 
bear was soon skinned and cut up, and we returned to 
the village with our rescuers. As far as I was con- 
cerned, I felt fully satisfied with my experience as an 
interviewer of grizzly bears, and had no desire to re- 
peat it, for although hunting the bear may be a pleas- 
ing pastime, it is not quite so pleasing when the bear 
hunts you. 

However, "all's well that ends well," and if this 
narrative affords my readers any amusement, I shall 
never regret my day spent in a tree top. 



OHAPTEE XVI. 

SOME CURIOUS CUSTOMS. 

HE winter had been unusually severe, in several 
instances snow had fallen : a thing of rare occur- 
rence in these latitudes. 'Not having prepared 
for such weather, by laying in an unusual supply 
of provisions, we were reduced to the verge of starva- 
tion, having recourse in our dire extremity to roots 
and berries, which we dug from the ground. During 
one week, I lived solely on the juice expressed from 
the cactus leaves, which I procured by stripping the 
phint of its thorny excrescences and paring the leaves 
with my knife. The juice yielded was thick and 
gummy, and of a sweetish taste. This diet could not 
sustain life for any length of time. Fortunately I had 
the good luck to discover some mesquite berries, that 
had been secreted by one of the tribe. This discovery 
proved my salvation, as without this timely addition 
of food, I should certainly have perished. 

During this season of hardship, many died of starva- 
tion. When a death occurred, the family of the 
deceased would yield themselves up to the most heart- 
rending grief. Their lamentations would succeed in 
attracting a crowd of sympathizing mourners who 



135 



would join the family, and by indulging in yells, 
groans, and screeches, convert the whole scene into the 
most hideous travesty, which did violence to all those 
feelings of awe and solemnity, that are experienced by 
viewing the last sad rites of Christian burial. 

When an Indian dies, his body is painted, oiled, and 
dressed in its best attire, a fresh buffalo skin (if it is 
to be had), and failing this, a blanket is wound tightly 
around the body, and bound with thongs, then other 
blankets are soaked in water until they become very 
soft and elastic, when they also are wound around the 
body with great care and exactness, so as to exclude 
the air. This done, the dead warrior's arms are placed 
by his side and a liberal supply of food (when the 
article is plenty), placed on the scaffold. 

These scaffolds are constructed by placing three 
upright posts in the ground in the shape of a parallelo- 
gram, and connecting them by lateral bars. Over 
these bars are placed a number of willow rods, on which 
the body rests, in such a position that the feet will be 
towards the rising sun. The scaffolds are placed high 
enough to be out of the reach oi dogs and wolves, yet 
not so high as to be inaccessible to the family, some 
portion of whom visit it daily, bringing food and water, 
which they place near the head of the corpse. The 
spirit is supposed to be in need of this sustenance on 
his journey to the happy hunting grounds. Once 
there, his spear, bow, and arrows will enable him to 
kill game in plenty. 



136 



When the scaffolds decay and fall, the relatives col- 
lect the bones and burv them. The skull, which hv 
this time has become perfectly bleached and purified, 
is taken and placed among a number of others which 
form a circle, the faces turned inward and facing a 
large shaft, around which is heaped a quantity of 
buffalo skulls. In this position they are preserved for 
years, the objects of religious veneration. The scaf- 
folds of the chiefs are distinguished from the others by 
pieces of red or blue cloth which are thrown over the 
bodies. 

A party had been dispatched in search of food, and 
were expected back hourly. How anxiously we 
awaited their arrival none may know, who have not 
suffered the pangs of hunger. At last they made 
their appearance, bringing with them a quantity of 
berries called by the Indians oth-to-toa. This berry 
was pleasanter to taste than the mesquite. The juice, 
when extracted and mixed with water, tasted very 
much like the orange. 

In one of my strolls I had observed some blackbirds, 
and in the hope of finding their nests. I was induced 
to wander to a greater distance from the village than 
I had been at any previous time. My search was re- 
warded by a quantity of eggs, and filling my Indian 
shir: with as many as I could carry. I retraced my 
steps. 

In stru^lin^ through the tangled underbrush, I 
lost my way. and after wandering about for some time 



in the hope of finding the path. I came to a srnaL 
spring that was bubbling np from a crevice in the 
rock. 

The night had closed in rapidly, and, finding it was 
too dark to prosecute my journey f rather, I concluded 
to remain here for the remainder of the night. Gath- 
ering a few dried leaves. I soon had a fire lighted, and 
then securing enough brush to last me until dawn, I set 
about preparing my supper, which was merely roasted 
eggs. This frugal meal was soon dispatched, and heap- 
ing more wood on the fire, I selected a dry spot, and 
stretching my tired limbs, was soon in a sound slum- 
ber. How long I slept I know not, but I was awak- 
ened by peals of thunder and flashes of the most vivid 
lightning. These Bounds were unusual in this coun- 
try, as rain rarely fell in these latitudes. 

Should a storm of any magnitude pom 1 its waters 
through the gorge in which I then was, I felt my 
position would be perilous in the extreme. I gathered 
up my supplies, that were collected at such an expen- 
diture of labor, and scrambled over rocks and through 
sand towards the side of the mountain. I had not 
gone far when the rain commenced — first in large 
drops, and then in a steady patter ; before man}- min- 
utes the storm burst upon the mountain in all its 
fury. The rain fell in sheets, and literally deluged 
surrounding objects. 3tly resting place was becoming 
untenable, and my life was momentarily imperiled by 
huge masses of falling rock, which had been loosened 



13S 



from its bed and came tearing down the mountain 
side, carrying all before it. Shielding myself behind 
trees and boulders, I climbed upwards, in the hope of 
finding a more permanent shelter than that afforded 
by the stumps of trees. The rain continued to pour 
down with increasing fury, and anon the vivid flash 
quickly followed by the startling roar of the thunder, 
and the noise of the seething flood, which by this 
time was bounding through the canon, conspired to 
make the scene more terrible. Almost despairing, 
and thoroughly drenched, I was about yielding myself 
up to the fury of the tempest, when my eye fell upon 
what appeared to be a crevice in the rock. Hastily 
making towards it, I entered. The deeper I penetrat- 
ed the larger it became, and I found myself at last 
snugly ensconced within the recesses of a vast 
cave. 

Congratulating myself on this o;ood fortune, I was 
about preparing to resume my rudely interrupted slum- 
ber, when I was startled by the sight of two glaring 
eyes that were peering at me from the depth of the 
cave. Here was a dilemma. I had certainly intruded 
on some wild animal, and penetrated its lair. My sit- 
uation became unpleasant in the extreme. Turn in 
whichever direction I might, those fiery eyes followed 
me, and at last I found that I was being subjected to 
the influence of a horrible fascination. 

My unpleasant experience with " old Eph " recur- 
red to me with more force than pleasure ; and the 



139 



thought that I might have to deal with a grizzly^ 
made doubly ferocious by being bearded in his den, 
caused the cold perspiration to stand out in beads 
upon my forehead. Suddenly I was startled by a roar 
that echoed through the cave. Those piercing eyes 
approached nearer. Mad with fright, I rushed to the 
mouth of the cave, and began a headlong descent 
down the steep banks of the cliff. In my wild scram- 
ble I dislodged stones and brush, which came tum- 
bling precipitately after me, and I also heard another 
noise which struck terror to my heart ; it was the 
foot stroke of the inf uriated animal that was pursuing 
me ! 

Not knowing whither I was going, but actuated by 
the sole desire to escape from this new danger, I very 
shortly found myself nearing the swollen river that 
was bounding through the canon. There was no al- 
ternative, and, bracing myself for a final effort, I 
plunged into the swollen stream and breasted the 
waves, hoping to reach a rock that raised its head 
above the water, about an hundred yards down the 
stream ; struggle as I might, I felt the rapid current 
sweeping me on with the rapidity of an avalanche. 
Should I reach it or be borne down the torrent, and 
be dashed to pieces against some hidden boulder ? 
Xerving myself for one grand effort, I breasted the 
current, and, to my joy, found I was nearing the rock ; 
striking out with the strength of despair I reach the 
refuge — the waves dash me against its sides — I clutch 



140 



at the jagged ends that project out of the water, and 
by their aid clamber out of the reach of immediate 
danger ! 

Finding myself safe, I look about me. The first 
object that attracts my attention is the lithe form of 
my pursuer who is running up and down the bank 
lashing his tail in fury, and occasionally breaking 
forth in the most savage roars. In its yellow coat 
and cat-like movements I recognize the dreaded cou- 
gar — the tiger of the western mountains — an animal 
that, when once aroused, will not hesitate to attack 
man or beast. He seemed to be deliberating whether 
to follow me into the stream. It was plain he disliked 
entering the water, and after pacing to and fro for 
some little time, turned abruptly and left the bank. 
Thinking I had achieved a victory, and finding that 
now I was safe, my courage was assuming a very bold 
front ; I picked up a stone and threw it in the direc- 
tion of the beast. Foolish action ! It hit the cougar, 
and turning, he now rushed to the bank, and, bellow- 
ing with rage, plunged into the river. My position 
now became critical in the extreme. Once the rock 
was gained, I would certainly be mangled by the fierce 
creature. I could not take iiight by water, as he could 
easily overtake me. 

My terror was extreme, and I lost the power of 
will. Fright had made me imbecile, and I rushed 
about the crest of the rock like a crazy man. All 
this time the enraged brute drew nearer ; his paws 



Ul 



touch, the base of the rock ; he is in the act of drawii g 
his dripping limbs out of the water. 

Mou£h open, tongue extended, and eyes inflamad 
with rage, the cougar prepares for the deadly spring. 
But look ! the surface of the rock moves, gives wry, 
and slides with a gentle motion towards the river. He 
makes a desperate effort to free himself from this natu- 
ral trap, but in vain ; the rock moves faster every mo- 
ment, and with one grand rush this land slide is en- 
gulfed in the turbid waters. Instantly the body is 
thrown back into the seething flood, and my last view 
of him is as he turns a bend and disappears forever. 

After waiting several hours for the waters to sub 
side, I am enabled to wade to the opposite shore, and, 
discovering my own trail by accident, wend my way 
back to the village. 

My adventure is related to Wakometkla, and soon 
spreads throughout the village. From this time forth 
I am regarded in the light of a hero, but on what 
grounds I was never able to satisfactorily determine, 
as I could scarcely consider running away from a dan- 
ger heroic. 



OHAPTEE XVII. 



THE BUFFALO DA^CE. 

(J^fHE buffalo being the main dependence of the 
Camanches for food, it naturally follows that 
they are fully alive to the importance of securing 
Ho an abundant supply of meat during the season 

in which these animals migrate to the southern 

prairies. 

The superstition which forms so large a part of the 
Indian character is especially noticeable in the cere- 
monies in which they engage every year for the pur- 
pose of securing a successful hunt. This ceremony, 
although not peculiar to any special tribe, is a very 
novel one, and may be of interest to the reader. Like 
all other tribes, the Camanches lead lives of idleness 
and leisure, and consequently devote a great deal of 
time to their sports and amusements, of which they 
have a great variety. 

Of these dancing is one of the principal, and may 
be seen in a variety of forms. 

Among these are the scalp dance, the boasting 
dance, the buffalo dance, and a dozen other dances, all 



143 



of which have their peculiar characters and meanings 
or objects. 

These exercises are extremely grotesque in their 
appearance, and to the looker-on, who knows not their 
meaning or importance, they are an uncouth and 
frightful display of starts, jumps, and yelps, and jar- 
ring gutturals, which to a stranger are truly terrifying. 

But when one gives them a little attention, and 
becomes initiated into their mysterious meaning, 
they become a subject of the most intense and thril- 
ling interest. 

Each dance has its peculiar step, and every step has 
its meaning. Each dance also has its peculiar song, 
and that is frequently so intricate and mysterious, 
that not one in ten of the young men who are dancing 
and singing it know the meaning of the song they are 
chanting over. None but the medicine men are 
allowed to understand them; and even they are 
generally only initiated into the secret on the payment 
of a liberal stipend for their instruction, which requires 
much application and study. 

There is evidently a set song and sentiment for 
every dance, for the songs are perfectly measured and 
sung in exact time with the beat of the drum ; and 
always with a uniform set of sounds and expressions, 
which plainly indicate certain sentiments, which are 
expressed by the voice, though sometimes not given 
in any language whatever. They have other dances 
and songs which are not so intricate or mysterious, 



144 



and which are understood by every person in the 
tribe, being sung in their own language. 

Some of these have much poetry in them, being 
perfectly metred, but without rhyme. 

It is of the buffalo dance, however, that I propose 
to treat in this chapter, and of which I will try to give 
th-j reader as clear an idea as is possible from a mere 
description ; but no words of mine can enable you to 
fully realize the strange tumult, scampering, grunting 
and bellowing with which my ears have been so often 
assailed. 

The buffalo is essentially a wandering creature, 
congregating at times in huge herds, and roaming 
from north to south or from east to west, apparently 
without any directing impulse, but in reality in search 
of forage. Although their movement to the south- 
ward usually takes place at a stated season of the year, 
it varies greatly in the number who take part in it. 
Hence it sometimes happens that the Camanches are 
unable to procure their necessary supply of meat, and 
in some cases, when the migration occurs at a later 
period than usual, the Indians find themselves prac- 
tically without food, and disastrous seasons of famine 
ensue, ^his involves the sending forth of expeditions 
in search of the tardy herds. These hunting parties, 
having to pass through the country occupied by other 
tribes, are almost certain to be assailed and harassed 
by them, and sometimes compelled to return with the 
loss of many of their number, and without accom- 



145 



plishing the object of the expedition. Hence the In- 
dians are loth to undertake these hunts, and prefer to 
depend upon the means which their superstition leads 
them to believe will have the effect of bringing the 
buffaloes within their hunting grounds. 

This is nothing more than the buffalo dance, and 
when the emergency arises, every Indian musters and 
brings out his mask (the skin of a buffalo's head, with 
the horns on), which he is obliged to keep in readi- 
ness for this occasion. Then commences the buffalo 
dance, which is held for the purpose of making 
" buffalo come," as the Indians term it, or, in other 
words, of inducing the buffalo herds to change their 
feeding grounds, and direct their course towards the 
vast prairies to the eastward of the Camanche villages, 
where the young braves can shoot them down, and the 
tribe be enabled to procure an abundant supply of 
food. 

During the greater part of the year the hunters can 
find the buffaloes within twenty miles of the village, and 
entirely within their own territory ; but in some sea- 
sons the young men range as far about the country as 
they can safely venture on account of their enemies, 
without finding meat. When this intelligence is 
brought back to the village, the chiefs, medicine men 
and counselors sit in solemn council until they have 
decided upon the most practicable expedient for over- 
coming the difficulty, and they rarely fail to decide 
upon the old and only expedient, which has never 



148 



failed. The chief issues his orders to the runners or 
criers, who quickly proclaim it throughout the village, 
and in a few moments all are assembled to take part 
in the dance, which at once begins. The place where 
this strange performance is carried on is the public 
area in the center of the village, directly in front of 
the temple. 

About ten or fifteen Indians join in the dance at a 
time,, each with the skin of the buffalo head, with the 
horns on, placed on his head, and armed with his 
lance or bow, with which he is accustomed to kill 
these animals. I have said that this dance always has 
the desired effect of making " buffalo come." It never 
fails, from the simple reason that when it is once begun 
it cannot be stopped, but is kept up incessantly night 
and day until the welcome herds are descried by the 
watchful look-outs. Drums are beaten and rattles 
shaken, songs and yells are continually shouted, and 
lookers on stand ready, with masks on their heads and 
weapons in their hands, to take the place of each 
dancer who becomes fatigued and falls out of the 
ring. 

A chain of look-outs is established connecting the 
hills surrounding the village with those to the east- 
ward, and the moment buffaloes are discovered by the 
distant watchers, they speedily pass the signal from 
one to another until it reaches the village. It is in- 
stantly understood by the whole tribe, and the joyful 
intelligence is received with shouts of thanks to their 



147 



strange god and to mystery men and the dancers, who 
have been the immediate canse of the successful result. 

During my residence in the Camanche village, these 
dances were sometimes kept up for two or three weeks 
without intermission, until the buffaloes made their 
appearance. 

Hence the buffalo dance can never fail, and the In- 
dians consider it an infallible means of bringing the 
herds into their country Every man in the tribe is 
obliged to be provided with the mask of the buffalo, 
which he can use whenever he is called upon to dance 
to make " buffalo come." The mask is put on over the 
head, and has a strip of the skin hanging to it of the 
whole length of the animal, with the tail attached to 
it, which passes down over the back of the wearer and 
drags on the ground. 

When one of the dancers becomes wearied of the 
exercise, he indicates it by leaning forward and sink- 
ing his body to the ground. One of the lookers-on 
then draws a bow upon him and hits him with a blunt 
arrow, and he falls like a buffalo and is immediately 
dragged out of the ring by the by-standers, who bran- 
dish their knives about him, and, having gone through 
the motions of skinning him and cutting him up, they 
release him, and his place is at once supplied by an- 
other who dances into the ring with his mask on. By 
thus relieving one another the dance is kept up day 
and night until they reach the desired end, and make 
the " buffalo come." 



148 



"When the signal is given that the buffaloes have 
made their appearance, the dance is discontinued at 
once, and a scene of great excitement ensues. The 
masks are quickly thrown aside ; the Indians prepare 
for the hunt with marvelous rapidity, and mounting 
their horses, gallop wildly down the valley to pass 
the eastern entrance. 

In the village, where all had been enduring the ut- 
most privation, with starvation staring them in the 
face, a scene of feasting and carousal would follow. 
Each would bring out their private stores, and the 
provisions that might in an emergency have lasted for 
several weeks would be consumed in a day. Even the 
dogs were not forgotten, but received a liberal share 
of the refuse portions of the feast. 

The usual games and amusements followed, and 
from the deepest gloom and despondency all seemed 
to pass at once to the other extreme, and joy and ex- 
ultation to reign supreme. 

From the distance required to be traversed, the hunt- 
ing parties would usually not return until the third 
day, after their departure. Then came another scene 
of feasting, but this time on a far larger scale. The 
choicest pieces are sacrificed to appease their mysteri- 
ous god, without which ceremony the Indians believe 
that all their future hunts would be unsuccessful. The 
largest portion of the meat is cured and made into tasa- 
jo, so that the proceeds of one successful hunt will often 
provide the entire community with food for many weeks. 



149 



'When I first saw the buffalo dance, I viewed it with 
much interest, but when continued for days and weeks, 
it becomes excessively wearisome from the perpetual 
howling din and clamor kept up, keeping the village 
in a continual uproar, and usually causing me to offer 
up most fervent prayers that the buffalo would " come," 
if it was only to be relieved from the noise and con- 
fusion which are occasioned by this curious ceremony. 

Unlike the northern Indians, the Camanches resort 
to the buffalo dance only on rare occasions, but when 
they do undertake it, their persistence is admirable ; 
and for this reason, the other tribes have a saying, or 
sort of proverb, that when the Camanches dance for 
" buffalo " it is a good moon to hunt, but a bad moon 
on the war-path. Their meaning probably is, that the 
buffalo are sure to " come," when the Camanches 
dance for them, but that the Camanches are equally 
sure to "go for" any other tribe who encroach upon 
their hunting grounds at such times. 

Such is the buffalo dance ; one of the most curious 
of the many strange customs of the prairie Indians. 



CHAPTER XYIII. 



A STRANGE HISTORY. 

XE of the most noted warriors of Tonsaroyoo's 
band was a pure blooded Mexican. A man of 
medium size, but athletic and well-proportioned, 
and not more than thirty years of age ; he was 
distinguished even among these savages for his cruelty, 
nay, even ferocity of disposition, and lust for blood- 
shed. 

His position in the tribe was that of a sub-chief, and 
he had attached to himself a chosen body of about 
sixty warriors, all men of bad standing and little 
character in the tribe, but all noted as desperate 
fighters. 

With this party " Hisso-de-cha " (the Spanish Ser- 
pent), might be said to be on a perpetual war-path, 
for he was never contented to remain idly in the village 
for any length of time, but was continually instituting 
private forays in all directions. In these operations 
he was in no wise particular as to the objects of his 
attacks. Plunder and slaughter being apparently his 
only motive, he would attack any party he met with 
that was not too numerous, and in this way had several 




151 



times embroiled the Camanclies in war with friendly 
tribes, despite the stern reproofs he received from 
Tonsaroyoo for his lawless conduct ; his uniform good 
fortune in these enterprises, however, had thus far 
prevented him from falling into entire disrepute with 
the leaders of the tribe. 

" Success covers a multitude of sins," says the pro- 
verb, and so it proved in his case. 

Notwithstanding his evil nature, I was for various 
reasons strongly attracted towards this man. Chief 
among these was the fact that he spoke English — not 
very fluently, it is true, but sufficiently to be able to 
carry on a conversation without much difficulty. 
Then, from the time of my first entry into the village 
he had treated me with uniform kindness; why this 
was so I know not, but the fact remains that he did 
so, and it was by his assistance that I was enabled to 
perfect myself in the Indian language, and also to 
gain some knowledge of Spanish, which afterwards 
did me good service. Much of my spare time, when 
he was not absent with his band, I spent in his com- 
pany, and in our talks I had gained considerable 
knowledge of his past history. What I had heard, 
however, only made me more curious to hear the 
whole, and one evening I importuned him to give me 
some account of his past life. After some hesitation 
he consented, and filling our pipes, we reclined upon 
a buffalo robe before the entrance to his lodge, while 
he told me his story. 



152 



THE RENEGADE'S HISTORY. 

" My real name is Pedro Vargas — carrai ! it sounds 
strange enough in my ears now, for it is many years 
since I have heard it uttered. 

" I was born on the hanks of the Del Norte, where 
my father was a vaqtcero on the estate on Don Ramon 
d'Echeverra. I remember but little of my childhood, 
except that my life was a hard and unhappy one, for 
I was one of eleven children, and we were miserably 
poor. When I reached my eighth year, I was con- 
sidered old enough to assist my father in his daily du- 
ties ; under his tuition, I was able in a few months to 
ride like a Camanche, to fling the lazo with unerring 
aim, and to perform with credit most of the drudgery 
which fell to my share. In this manner the time 
passed until I was about eleven years of age, when the 
events occurred which separated me from home and 
friends, and indirectly made me what I am — the bold- 
est warrior of the Hietans — " Hissoo-de-cha," the 
renegade, the terror of the frontier. 

" The estate of Don Ramon was situated so far down 
the river as to be out of the track of the Indian raid- 
ing parties, and for a generation the red-skinned war- 
riors had never troubled that region. But in the 
autumn of the year of which I speak, a large party of 
Camanches had entered Chihuahua, and penetrating 
almost to the very center of the province, had there 
met with a severe reverse, and were compelled to 



153 



retreat without plunder, scalps or captives. Not 
daring to return to their village empty-handed, for, as 
you know, the very squaws would have hooted them, 
they recrossed the Grande above San Vicente, made a 
wide detour, and coming down the Pecos, again 
entered Mexican territory, and made a flying raid 
upon the river towns. 

" From its remoteness from the usual scene of these 
Indian forays, the inhabitants of this region were 
resting in fancied security, and had made no prepara- 
tions to resist such an attack. As a natural conse- 
quence, they fell an easy prey to the savage invaders. 

" The rancheria of Don Hamon was one of the first 
attacked, and the proud old Don and his three sons, 
with most of their rancheros and vanqueros, were 
surprised and slaughtered. Of my own family, my 
sister Conchita, a girl of sixteen, and myself, alone 
escaped death; and we, with many other captives, 
were hurried off in charge of a small detachment of 
Camanches. Of the journey to this village I need not 
tell you, as you have, perhaps, passed through a simi- 
lar experience. 

" On our arrival here, my sister soon became the wife 
of a chief, and to this circumstance I was indebted for 
much better treatment than usually falls to the lot of 
a captive. And here let me tell you that your own 
escape from torture and death was little less than 
mirculaous. In my long experience with the tribe, I 
have never known of a similar incident. But "Wako- 



154 



inetkla is a very singular man, and so greatly is he 
reverenced by his nation, that he can do many things 
which Tonsaroyoo himself would hesitate to under- 
take. 

"Carra??iho, but this story-telling is dry work. See 
if there be not a flask of mezcal within the lodge. 
Caval — you have found it? So — that is better;" and 
my strange companion, having swallowed a copious 
draft of the fiery liquid, resumed his narrative : 

" The first two years of my captivity were compara- 
tively without incident, but at the beginning of the 
third year I was formally adopted into the tribe. As 
you yourself have gone through the ceremony, it is 
unnecessary to describe it, but as the circumstances in 
my case were somewhat different from yours, I found 
myself on an equality with such of the young braves 
as had never been on the war-path. 

" A few months later I joined a war party led by one 
of the subordinate chiefs, and during the expedition I 
was fortunate enough to take two scalps. This at 
once constituted me a warrior, and, liking the excite- 
ment and adventurous life, I soon became noted 
among the young men of the tribe. I joined every 
war party, and, being singularly fortunate, eoon 
gained distinction as well as scalps and plunder. By 
the time I was twenty years of age, I was admitted to 
be one of the first warriors of the nation, and had 
attracted to myself a number of the more reckless 
spirits, who would follow anywhere that I would lead. 



155 



"I had long been desirous of taking the command of 
a war party, thinking thereby to gain notoriety, and 
if fortunate enough to be unusually successful, I might 
thereafter be entrusted with the leadership of expe- 
ditions of more importance. 

" I had frequently importuned Tonsaroyoo, then as 
now the head chief of the nation, to allow me to 
undertake such an enterprise, but up to this time he 
had persistently refused to do so. 

" Finding that I could not obtain his permission, I 
determined to do without it, and secretly assembled 
those warriors on whose fidelity and silence I could 
rely. I made known to them my plans, and succeed- 
ed in inducing about thirty braves to take part in the 
rash undertaking. 

" Leaving the village under the pretense of hunting, 
we crossed the " Llano Estacado," to the head waters 
of the Pecos ; and descending that stream nearly to 
its mouth, diverged to the west and crossed the Eio 
Grande. We traveled by night and remained con- 
cealed during the day, and by the exercise of the ut- 
most caution, succeeded in evading the Lipans and 
Cayguas, through whose territory we had to pass. I 
had laid all my plans before leaving the village, and 
was quite confident that the raid would be a success- 
ful one. It was my intention ■ to attack only the 
haciendas, and if possible to effect my object by sur- 
prise, for I knew that if I could return without the 
loss of a man, with a few scalps and a moderate 



156 



amount of plunder. I would receive far more praise 
than if I had brought back twice as much booty, but 
with the loss of one or more warriors. 

" After crossing the river, the first hacienda within 
reach was that which had been my former home. It 
had passed into the possession of Don Rafael d'Eche^- 
erra, the brother of Don Ramon, and presented much 
the same appearance as in former times. Unfortu- 
nately for the success of my project, there was pres- 
ent at the hacienda a small party of American trap- 
pers, who had for some reason strayed into this region. 
These men had known Don Rafael, at Santa Fe, 
where he had at one time resided, and they had 
accordingly been made welcome at the hacienda. 

" Two of their number, while out on a hunt at a few 
miles distance, had crossed our trail, for I had led my 
party as near to the hacienda as I dared ; and, having 
concealed ourselves in a dense chaparral, we were 
waiting for night, it being my intention to attack in 
the darkness, when the smallness of my force could 
not be easily discovered. Scenting* danger at once, 
the hunters returned by a circuitous route to the ha- 
cienda, and warned its occupants. As a natural con- 
sequence, when we made our assault some hours 
later, they were fully prepared for us, and instead of 
surprising them we were ourselves surprised and 
greeted with a withering volley from the rifles of the 
trappers. At the first fire I received a severe wound, 
and fell from my horse with a broken leg. Panic- 



stricken at the fall of their leader, and demoralized by 
the unexpected reception they had met with, my fol- 
lowers quickly retreated in confusion, and I was left 
wounded and a prisoner in the hands of the men I 
had sought to destroy. 

" Upon discovering that I was a white man, so great 
was the indignation of the Americans, that I should 
have been put to death on the spot but for the inter- 
cession of Don Rafael. Finding that I was a native 
Mexican his sympathy was excited, and at his entreaty 
my life was spared, and the Don's own surgeon at- 
tended to my wounds. It was nearly two months be- 
fore I had sufficiently recovered to be able to go about, 
and by that time every one on the estate knew my 
history, or rather that version of it which I saw fit to 
give them. I had represented to Don Rafael that I 
had been compelled to accompany the war party 
against my will, and concealed the fact that I had 
been the leader of the band. M.J story was easily 
credited because of mv youth, and I was treated with 
great kindness. In another month I had entirely re- 
gained my health, and Don Rafael proposed to me to 
enter his employ as a vacjuero. To this I assented, al- 
though I had fully determined to return to my tribe 
at the first opportunity. But I had first several ob- 
jects to accomplish, and I was therefore compelled to 
bide my time, and wait for a favorable occasion. 

" Accordingly I joined the vaqueros of the rancheria, 
and for two months performed my duties to the entire 



158 



satisfaction of my master. My object in thus remain- 
ing, when I might have made my escape at any time 
without difficulty, was twofold. In the first place I 
knew that it would not do for me to return to the 
Indian village empty-handed. My ill-considered and 
unauthorized foray haying resulted in defeat and dis- 
aster, I could not expect a very cordial reception on 
my return, unless I performed some very daring feat 
in making my escape, or returned with a more than 
ordinary share of booty. The last I could not hope 
to accomplish, but the former was quite possible. 

" My second design was of an entirely different nat- 
ure, and its successful accomplishment promised to be a 
very difficult matter. 

" Don Rafael's immediate family consisted of a wife 
and daughter, the latter a girl of fifteen, and one of 
the most rarely beautiful women it has ever been my 
fortune to behold. Her I had resolved to possess, and it 
was this reason more than any other which impelled me 
to the execution of the bloody deed I am about to relate. 

" Guadalupe, as she was called, evidently viewed me 
with, marked disfavor, but this only intensified the 
passion I felt for her. I was consumed with desire, 
and determined that no obstacles should prevent me 
from accomplishing my purpose. 

" It was not long before the opportunity I sought 
presented itself, and the events took place which ren- 
dered me doubly an outcast from those of my race and 
<?olor. 



CHAPTEK XIX. 



A STRANGE HISTORY CONTINUED. 

f HE hacienda of Don Rafael was a stone building, 
) or rather a collection of buildings, forming a 



extent of ground. It was flat roofed, with a parapet, 
breast high, running around the edge. There were 
few external w r indows, and these were mere slits in the 
wall, guarded by heavy iron bars and massive wooden 
shutters. The interior of the square formed a large 
court-yard, entrance to which was gained by two arch- 
ways, one at each extremity. These were closed by 
great jail-like doors — in fact, the w r hole structure had 
some resemblance to a fortress, a style of architecture 
peculiar to this region, and rendered necessary for 
security against the annual raids of the Indian 
warriors. 

" On entering the patio or court-yard, you saw the 
real front of the house. Here the windows had glazed 
sashes reaching to the ground, and opening on curtained 
verandahs. The surface of the patio was paved with 




160 



brick, and in the center stood a fountain, surrounded 
by orange trees. 

" Since the attack which had resulted in my becom- 
ing an inmate of the hacienda, more care had been 
taken to guard against future attempts of a like 
nature. The great gates were closed at sundown, and 
some attempt was made at keeping a regular watch or 
guard during the night. At first the sentinels were 
tolerably vigilant, but the lazy ranch eros soon wearied 
of their unaccustomed duties, and before long the 
detail of a guard was omitted, and affairs subsided into 
their accustomed quiet. 

" The American trappers had departed, and all seem- 
ing favorable for the accomplishment of my plan, I 
was not long in putting it into execution. I had 
taken pains to become familiar with the internal 
arrangements of the mansion, and knew exactly where 
the different members of the household slept. Se- 
lecting a night when there was no moon, I picked out 
two of the fleetest mustangs from the corral, and se- 
cured them, fully prepared for flight, among a clump 
of trees at a short distance from the hacienda. 

" During my residence among the Camanches, I had 
become familiar with a certain herb possessing strong 
narcotic properties. This I had searched for and 
found without difficulty, and with it I had managed 
to drug a portion of the food prepared for the evening 
meal, so that at a comparatively early hour, the entire 
household was wrapped in profound slumber. My 



161 



preparations were all completed, and when I deemed 
that the proper hour had arrived, I descended from 
the azotea, where I had been lying in wait, and noise- 
lessly entered the apartments of the family. Reach- 
ing that occupied by Don Rafael, I sought his bedside, 
and placing one hand over his mouth, I stabbed him 
to the heart, and he died with scarcely a struggle. 
Quickly transferring his scalp to my belt, I proceeded 
with my bloody work, passing from room to room, 
until eight victims had perished beneath my blows, 
and eight bleeding scalps garnished my waist. 

"Knowing that I had but little time to spare, I 
now prepared for flight. Hastily collecting such 
articles of use or ornament as would be likely to seem 
of great value in the eyes of the Indians, and such as 
I could easily carry, I made them into a pack of small 
compass, and returning to the azoiea, I lowered them 
to the ground with a lariat, which I had previously 
placed there. I then sought the apartment of Guada- 
lupe. Entering it without noise, I beheld her, by the 
dim light of a night lamp, reclining upon her couch, 
buried in profound sleep. I quickly bound her hands 
and feet, and gagged her in the Indian fashion, with 
a pear-shaped piece of wood secured by a strip of 
leather. I then raised her to my shoulder, and bore 
her to the roof, and by the aid of the lariat, which I 
had secured to the parapet, I easily descended with 
her to the plain below. A few seconds rapid walking 

enabled me to gain the horses, and a few minutes 

11 



162 



later I had fastened her to the saddle, and we were 
riding at full speed to tlie northwest. Knowing the 
route well, I lost no time, and at daybreak had nearly 
reached the point at which I intended to cross the Rio 
Grande. 

" Day was just breaking when I rode through a belt 
of chaparral, and emerging upon the prairie beyond it, 
came suddenly upon a horseman, whom I at once 
recognized as one of the Mexican hunters attached to 
the hacienda d'Echeverra. Before he could recover 
from his astonishment at our unexpected meeting, I 
had literally ridden him down, and brained him with 
a single blow of my steel mace, one of the weapons 
which I had taken from Don Rafael's armory, and the 
same one you have frequently seen me carry. Add- 
ing his scalp to those I had already taken, and rifling 
his person of whatever of value he possessed, I resumed 
my flight, and traveling steadily all day, found myself 
by nightfall practically beyond pursuit. 

"My fair captive had long since recovered con- 
sciousness, and I had removed the gag from her 
mouth. I will spare you a recital of her prayers and 
entreaties when she realized her position. Suffice it 
to say that, after a perilous and wearisome journey, I 
reached this village in safety with my prize, and was 
greeted as one returned from the dead ; for the sur- 
vivors of my party had brought back the news of my 
fall, and I had been mourned by my wives and my 
poor sister as dead. Xow all was rejoicing; a feast 



163 



was made, the scalp dance was performed, and I 
found that by my bold exploit I bad fully recovered 
my standing among tbe warriors of the tribe. 

" Guadalupe was added to the number of my wives, 
and until her death three years later, remained my 
favorite. About a year after my return my sister 
sickened and died, during my absence with a war 
party, thus leaving me without ties, save such as I had 
made for myself in my tribe. 

" I was now completely Indianizecl, and began a series 
of expeditions which resulted so successfully as to cause 
my advancement to the position of a sub-chief, and to my 
being frequently entrusted with important enterprises. 
In fact, the more desperate an undertaking, the more 
certainly would I be called upon to achieve it. To 
this state of affairs I made no objection, for I coveted 
the sort of distinction or notoriety it gave me, and as 
I rarely failed of success, I steadily gained in prestige 
and influence. But I have never been able to attain 
a seat in the council, or to reach any higher rank than 
that I now hold. This I attributed to the influence 
of Tonsaroyoo and TVakometkla, both of whom 
regard me with ill-concealed dislike, although they 
are compelled to acknowledge me as one of the best 
warriors of their nation. 

" I have led my chosen band in many a daring adven- 
ture, and have never returned without some trophy 
of my prowess. Among the many scenes of this na- 
ture through which I have passed, I will recount the 



164 



following, which will prove to yon that in what I have 
said of myself I have made no idle boast. 

" On one occasion Stonhawon, the second chief, went 
with about two himclred warriors into the Utah coun- 
try, with a view of replenishing our stock of horses, 
as we had lost a large number through the polite at- 
tentions of the Utahs and Arapahoes. His party was 
gone some fifteen days, and returned with only eight 
horses, and with the loss of five men. This was con- 
sidered a terrible disgrace, and many of the young 
warriors begged me to lead them, and by a successful 
raid remove the shame they felt at the defeat of Ston- 
hawon 's party. 

" Selecting barely fifty men, but those the most dar- 
ing braves of the tribe, I left the valley by the eastern 
entrance, and crossing the desert, struck southward 
into the Lipan country. With this tribe we were at 
the time at peace, but I cared little for that, and the 
warriors of my party were equally unscrupulous, I 
sent forward a dozen spies, and moved forward cau- 
tiously with the main body. My reputation was 
committed to my present success, and I took more 
than ordinary pains to sustain it. Every man of my 
band was well armed and mounted, and I had full con- 
fidence in our ability to overcome double our number. 
One of the spies now returned and informed me that 
they had discovered a Lipan village of seventeen lodges, 
situated on the banks of a small stream. I directed 
them to return and watch them closely, and to apprise 



165 



me of any movement they might make. The spy 
went back, but soon returned and informed me that 
they had moved down the creek, which was a tribu- 
tary of the Pecos, had passed through a small canon, 
and were encamped near its mouth. I ordered him 
to send in all the spies except three, and direct these 
to keep a sharp look-out. ' 

" I then determined to follow them down the canon, 
and attack them at its mouth, thus cutting off all 
chance of their retreating into the canon ; but a spy 
now brought me word that they had moved further 
down and encamped on the edge of the timber, with 
the evident intention of remaining there. I then 
made a wide circuit, and crossed the ridge lower down 
with the largest division of my party but left about 
twenty warriors ambushed in the canon. 

" From the summit of the hill I had an excellent 
view of the enemy's position, and my plans were 
quickly formed and executed with almost equal rapidity. 
Under cover of the timber I led my party until we 
gained the rear of the encampment. Then spreading 
out widely, we advanced to the edge of the timber, 
and shouting our savage war-whoop, rushed upon the 
Lipans. They were so completely surprised that we 
were among the lodges before they could make 
scarcely a semblance of defense, and many of them 
were cut down as they emerged from the lodges. 

" Those who escaped the first attack retreated to- 
wards the canon, but on attempting to enter it were met 



166 



by my detached party and repulsed with considerable 
loss. They then retreated to the west and gained the 
shelter of the woods, while we hastily collected our 
plunder and prisoners and retraced our steps towards 
our village, our spoils consisting of thirty-nine scalps, 
forty-eight captives, women and children, and over 
two hundred horses ; and this notable victory was 
gained without the loss of a warrior, although we had 
twenty-three wounded. 

"The Lipans gathered reinforcements from other 
bands, and followed our trail, but did not succeed in 
overtaking us before we reached our village ; and here 
we are too strong to be attacked. Great was the re- 
joicing upon our return; the scalp-dance was per- 
formed, feasts prepared in our honor, and I found 
myself looked upon as a greater brave than ever. 

" This expedition was but the prelude to a series ot 
similar ones, and as my luck did not desert me, I soon 
1 found that more than half the tribe were anxious to 
accompany the war parties which I led. It suited me 
better, however, to operate with comparatively small 
parties, say of fifty or sixty men, and to take only 
those who would render unquestioning obedience to 
my authority. For this reason I selected men of no 
great prominence in the tribe, but whom I knew to be 
good fighters, to accompany me on these expeditions, 
so the victories we achieved might redound mainly to 
my credit. 

f4 One day I started out to hunt, accompanied by 



167 



only five young warriors. After five days journey, 
during which we found no game, we ascended a slight 
eminence, and saw before us a large prairie. At some 
distance out a party of about thirty Indians were en- 
gaged in killing buffaloes. We could also see their 
village at about four miles distance. Here was an op- 
portunity not to be lost. "We passed along behind 
the crest of the hill until we had gained a position be- 
tween them and their village, and then passed through 
a gully and concealed ourselves in the path they must 
necessarily take. We were able to discover by their 
costume that they were Pawnee Picts, a tribe with 
whom we were generally at peace, but I considered 
that fact of no importance. 

u The unsuspecting hunters, having finished butch- 
ering and dressing the buffaloes they had killed, began 
to approach us in straggling parties of four or five, 
their horses loaded with meat which they were bear- 
ing to the village. When the first of them came abreast 
of us, I made a signal, and five of them fell before our 
arrows. As the next party came up we brought down 
three more, and then rushed from our hiding place, 
and some began scalping the dead, while the re- 
mainder were cutting the lashings of the meat in or- 
der to secure the horses. Having taken eight scalps, 
we sprang upon the horses we had freed from the 
packs, and retreated precipitately, fearing to be over- 
powered by numbers. We made direct for the tim- 
ber, and having secreted our horses, took refuge in a 



168 



rocky place in the mountain, where we felt protected 
tor a while from their attacks. To attack us in front 
they had to advance right in the face of our fire, 
while to reach our rear they had to take a circuituous 
route of several miles around the base of the moun- 
tain. 

" The enemy had now gathered in force, and dis- 
played the utmost bravery, for they made repeated as- 
saults nearly up to the position that sheltered us. 
Their arrows showered around us without injury, but 
we could bring one man down at each shot. To scalp 
them, however, was impossible. One of the enemy, 
who seemed to be a great brave, charged right into 
our midst and inflicted a severe wound on one of my 
party. Before he could retire, I cut him down with 
one stroke of my battle-axe, and added his scalp to 
those we had already taken. By this time the enemy 
had nearly surrounded us, which led me to believe 
that retreat would be our safest course ; so when 
night came we evacuated our fortress unperceived by 
our enemies. 

" They, deeming our escape impossible, were quietly 
resting, intending to attack us with their whole force 
in the morning, and take our scalps at all hazards. 
Moving with the stealth of the cougar, we proceeded 
along the summit of a rocky cliff until we came to a 
ravine, through which we descended to the plain be- 
low, which was here covered with a heavy growth of 
timber. We reached the spot where we had concealed 



169 



our horses without difficulty, and made the best of our 
way home. In order to avoid hostile war parties we 
were obliged to take a roundabout course, and it was 
not until the eighteenth day after our departure that 
we reached the village. The tribe had given us over 
for lost, but when they saw us returning with nine 
scalps and with but one of our party hurt, their grief 
gave way to admiration, and we were greeted with 
shouts of applause. 

" The years I have spent among the Camanches are 
filled with such exploits as these, but their recital 
would weary you, and I will not further prolong my 
story.' ' 

As the renegade finished his narrative, we sat and 
smoked for some time in silence. Then a sudden 
thought struck me and I said to him : 

" Hisso-de-cha, I have often thought that I should 
like to go on the war path. Why can you not take 
me with you when you next go forth with a war 
party I » 

"That I would willingly do/' he replied. " but it 
would never be permitted ; or at all events, I never 
could gain TTakometkkrs consent to such a thing ; 
but perhaps you can induceN^tonkawon to let you ac- 
company him, and I think he could manage it. He 
is now preparing to go on an expedition of some sort, 
as he is anxious to surpass my recent success against 
the Arapahoes. But come, it is time we were asleep, 
and if you are not tired of listening to me, I am de- 



170 

cidedly tired of talking ; so permit me to bid you a 
hueno noche ; " and so saying, the renegade arose and 
retired to his lodge. I was not long in following his 
example, but sleep did not close my eyelids until 
nearly dawn. 

Reflecting upon the. strange story of my still 
stranger companion, and seeing in imagination the 
many bloody scenes through which he had passed, my 
mind gradually turned to the subject which had so 
long lain dormant — the hope of escape from my hated 
bondage. At last there seemed a chance that my in- 
tense longing for freedom might be gratified ; and I 
determined to spare no effort towards inducing Ston- 
hawon to consent to my forming one of his war party. 
Hastily formed plans and wild schemes of all descrip- 
tions chased one another through my brain, and it 
was nearly morning before I fell into a troubled 
sleep, haunted even in my dreams by visions of blood 
and slaughter. 



CHAPTER XX. 



THE BUFFALO HUNT. 



f^*HE season was now approaching when the buffalo 
might be expected in great numbers on the plains 



to the east of us, and all the warriors were mak- 



^ ing the most extensive preparations for their 
grand buffalo hunt. They had commenced the cere- 
monies by song and dance, as related in another chapter 
and now, all that was necessary for their happiness, 
was the actual appearance of the bison. Toung men 
left the camp daily, and scoured the plains, in order to 
get the first news of the herd ; while others stationed 
themselves on high cliffs, and patiently waited the 
advent of the animal which was to supply them with 
food. A signal had been agreed upon, by which the 
village would be made aware of their presence as soon 
as the buffaloes were in sight. Meantime every In- 
dian was busy, perfecting his arrangements for the 
chase. Lances were re-pointed, arrows headed, and 
bows strengthened. Most of the time, however, was 
employed in training the ponies, and the plain, in front 
of the village, presented a very animated appearance 
as the horsemen were seen dashing along at top-speed, 




172 



throwing the lasso, or rushing headlong up to another 
warrior, who personated a buffalo, go through the 
motions of killing him. 

These scenes fired me with a desire to see a buffalo 
hunt myself. 1 had reason to believe that the Indians 
trusted me sufficiently to permit of ruy accompanying 
them on the proposed expedition ; but then I was 
totally inexperienced in the management of their 
weapons, on horseback, never having had occasion to 
use them when mounted. However, I determined to 
try, and going to "Wakometkla, I made known my 
wishes. He concurred quite heartily in my request, 
and even went so far as to offer me his own lance and 
spear. 

My determination to accompany the party was soon 
bruited throughout the village, and many were the 
offers of advice, ponies, and implements of the chase, 
that were pressed upon my acceptance. After some 
hesitation, I selected a pony that pleased me, and arm- 
ing myself with bow and arrows, sallied forth upon 
the plain, to put into practice the hints that had been 
imparted to me in regard to hunting the bison. At 
first it was up-hill work ; and my frantic endeavors to 
slide on the side of my pony and discharge an arrow 
from under his neck, caused my instructors no small 
merriment. After a severe fall — and I had many 
such — I would be assisted to my horse's back, and 
recommended to try it again, with as much coolness as 
if I had merely fallen from a chair. 



173 



Notwithstanding the many times I came to grief, 
in trying to wield bow and arrow, or lance, effectively, 
I kept persistently at it, and in a week's time I had 
become a somewhat expert horseman, and could shoot 
an arrow with tolerable accuracy. I now wished that 
buffaloes would he signaled as approaching, quite as 
ardently as did the warriors ; but in the meantime, I 
persevered in my practice. One day it occurred to me 
that I should like to learn to throw a lasso, and pro- 
curing one, I coiled it, mounted, and went in search 
of some object on which to practice. 

By some mutability of fortune a donkey had strayed 
into our midst, and had remained with the tribe for 
many years. No one used him, but all considered it 
their privilege to tease the poor brute. He bore it 
calmly and with that fortitude which is a distinguish- 
ing trait of his species. Deeming him a very fair 
substitute for a buffalo, I gave my pony a sharp cut 
with the whip, and dropping the rein upon his neck, 
prepared to throw my lasso. My imaginary buffalo 
seemed to suspect that all was not right, and acting on 
his suspicions galloped away, not giving my intentions 
the benefit of the doubt. It was of no avail, how- 
ever, for, urging my pony to increased speed, I was 
soon within range, and twirling the lasso around my 
head a few times, I launched it, directing its course, as 
nearly as my poor skill would permit, towards the 
donkey's head. It would certainly never have touched 
him had he pursued the direction in which he was 



174 



then running. But his evil genius prompted hini to 
turn, and, shaping his course so as to bisect mine at 
right angles, he raised his head, and, giving vent to 
one of those musical neighs (?) for which the animal 
is somewhat famous, rushed on in his mad career. 
Poor brute ! the noose hovered over him a moment, 
like some bird of prey about to swoop down on its 
quarry, and then settled over his head and shoulders. 

My horse knew more about the use of this peculiar 
instrument than I did, for no sooner had the lasso 
passed over the head of the donkey than he planted 
his fore feet firmly on the ground, and braced his 
body to receive the shock. Before I was aware of 
anything, I felt a sharp jerk at my wrist, and the next 
moment I was sailing over my pony's head, and going 
in the direction of the donkey at a more rapid rate 
than was agreeable. I soon struck terra jirma, but 
with such force that the concussion caused me to see 
more stars than I thought the heavens were capable 
of containing. To add to my embarrassment, the rope 
had become fastened to my wrist, and in such a man- 
ner that I could not free myself. The donkey, recover- 
ing from the effect of the shock, started off at head- 
long speed, dragging my unresisting body after him. 
How long this novel journey would have continued I 
have no means of knowing had I not fortunately been 
rescued by a passing Indian. After an examination, 
I found that with the exception of torn clothing and 
a few scratches, I had come out of this adventure 



175 



safely ; but I never more had any desire to run amuck 
with donkeys. 

The Indian then explained the manner in which the 
lasso was thrown, and under his tuition I became 
somewhat of an adept in this novel art. 

The following morning the signal from the look-out 
announced that the herd were in sight. Then there 
was hurrying to and fro, and mounting in hot haste. 
Indians were seen rushing frantically in every direc- 
tion, whilst the greatest hilarity prevailed among the 
squaws. Horses were driven into the corrals and quickly 
bridled, whilst those who were to participate in the 
hunt were busy divesting themselves of all superflu- 
ous clothing. Some armed themselves with a bow 
and a few arrows, while some depended on their lances 
only. The party had by this time assembled in front 
of the lodge where Tonsaroyoo was standing giving 
the final instructions to the band. These were very 
brief, and as soon as he had finished speaking, every- 
thing being in readiness, we mounted our horses, and 
were off like a whirlwind. 

Passing up the valley, we climbed the cliff and de- 
filing around the narrow ledge of rock that guards 
this entrance to the village soon deployed upon the 
prairie. As we swept along over the plain on this 
glorious morning, my spirits rose, the blood coursed 
through my veins in rapid pulsations, and I felt as if 
I could have destroyed a herd of buffaloes single 
handed. 



176 



In these latitudes such, is the purity of the air that 
one seems to be taking in at every breath the veritable 
elixir of life. Your spirits are buoyant, and all nature 
seems to be smiling and gay. As we journeyed we 
overtook the scouts, who were returning to apprise us 
of the exact location of the buffaloes. After making 
their report, they would wheel into line and sweep 
on with the main party. 

We had proceeded about twenty miles, when we 
reached a level stretch of prairie, and directly in front 
of us, at a distance of perhaps two miles was the herd 
quietly grazing, all unsuspecting of the danger that 
menaced them. It was not a very large drove, and 
they kept quite close together. It was the season 
when the buffaloes wandered off from the main herd 
in small bands, and the prairies were dotted for miles 
with these black clumps, like great dark splashes on a 
carpet of emerald. 

The plan of attack was decided upon in council, 
and the band disposed of in a manner that would in- 
sure the complete and speedy extermination of our 
game. TTe were about to make a " surround." The 
warriors were divided into two columns, and taking 
opposite directions, drew themselves gradually around 
the herd at a distance of about a mile from them. TTe 
continued to deploy in this manner until a complete 
circle was formed, and then, at a given signal, we 
closed in upon the buffoloes, keeping our impatient 
steeds at a moderate pace. 



177 



The herd soon got the wind of the advancing 
enemy, and fled in a body in the greatest confusion. 
To the point where the buffaloes were aiming to cross 
our line, the horsemen were gathering, and forming 
in column, brandishing their weapons and yelling in 
the most frightful manner, by which means they 
turned the surging mass. Seeing themselves baffled 
at this point, they would rush off in an opposite 
direction, when they would again be met by a for- 
midable column and again repulsed in utter con- 
fusion. 

By this time we had closed in from all directions, 
forming a continuous line that circled the throng like 
the deadly coils of the cobra. The buffaloes had be- 
come completely demoralized, and were eddying 
about in a crowded and confused mass, hooking and 
climbing upon each other. Now was the time for 
the onslaught. Tonsaroyoo, by whose side I was rid- 
ing, placed the whistle to his lips and gave the signal. 

Then followed a scene of wild confusion. The 
horsemen dashed upon the bewildered buffaloes with 
the rapidity of thought almost, using their Jances and 
arrows with murderous effect. In the turmoil a cloud 
of dust was raised which in part obscured those of the 
band who did not immediately surround me. The ex- 
citement was intense, and soon all became one im- 
mense, blur, in which hunters and buffaloes were in- 
discriminately mixed. I could see the Indians gallop- 
ing their horses around the animals and driving the 



s 178 

whizzing arrows or long lances to the hearts of their 
quarry. 

My own pony had penetrated deep into the herd, 
and with a sagacity that a long experience alone could 
develop, was laying his course straight for an enor- 
mous bull that was flanking the herd. Had my taste 
been consulted, I should certainly have declined to 
try conclusions with such an ugly customer, but there 
was no avoiding the encounter, and, selecting an 
arrow, I drew my bow and waited a favorable oppor- 
tunity to send it through the bison. 

On sped the pony, and in a few moments I was 
brushing the flank of the buffalo. At a glance I saw 
that he had been wounded and was tearing; alons*. 
blind with rage. I let fly my arrow, which pierced 
his neck ; its effect was only to increase his fury, and, 
wheeling round, he rushed on me with savage desper- 
ation. ]N~ever can I forget the sight as he bore down 
upon us. Infuriated with the wounds already receiv- 
ed, his shaggy mane partly concealing his bloodshot 
eyes, and bellowing fiercely, he poised his head for a 
final charge. My horse tried to escape the onslaught, 
but we had penetrated into the main body, and our 
actions were impeded by the other buffaloes. 

I concluded our destruction was inevitable, but, as 
a last resort, I had determined to leap to the ground 
and trust to luck to lead me out of this dilemma. 

As I was preparing to dismount, a lance lying upon 
the ground caught my sight, and I instantly changed 



179 



my resolution. If I could secure the weapon a J 
might vet be well. I determined to make the effort 
at ail hazards, and throwing my arm into the sling 
that depended from the neck of my horse, I swung 
lightly from his back, and han^ino: by my arm and 
foot, made ready to grasp the lance with my disen- 
gaged arm. As we swept along I succeeded in secur- 
ing it, and reseating myself, prepared to drive it deep 
into the side of the enraged bull. I had scarcely time 
to poise the instrument when the buffalo charged 
down on us like a whirlwind. Bracing myself as best 
I might, I pulled violently on the reins and threw my 
steed to one side, just in time to prevent his being 
gored to death, at the same time lunging out savagely 
at the animal. The shock was terrific, and I went 
whirling from my horse's back some twenty feet on 
the prairie. I was not so yiolently stunned but that 
I was quite conscious of the danger I was in of being 
trampled to death by the hoofs of the demoralized 
herd, and, gathered myself up in time to grasp the 
trailing lasso that was fastened to my pony, I was 
dragged far out on the prairie. Badly bruised, my 
skin lacerated and in places bleeding profusely, I felt 
in no condition to take an active part in the hunt ; in 
fact, my unique experience was, I thought, sufficient 
to last me a lifetime. 

Biding at some distance from the melee, I had an 
excellent opportunity to watch the progress of the 
hunt. The slaughter continued with unabated fury. 



ISO 



The plain was covered with dead and dying buffaloes. 
Horses could be seen galloping over the prairie rider- 
less, vrhile their dismounted masters were flying for 
their lives before the infuriated animals. 

Sometimes the serried ranks would open, and the 
blinded horsemen, so intent upon their prey, amidst 
the cloud of dust, were wedged and hemmed in 
anions; the crowding beasts, over whose backs they 
were obliged to leap for security, leaving their horses 
to the fate that might await them in the results of this 
wild and desperate war. Many were the bulls that 
turned upon their assailants and met them with des- 
perate resistance, and many were the warriors who 
were dismounted and saved themselves by their supe- 
rior running abilities. Some who were closely pur- 
sued by the bulls, would wheel suddenly around, and 
snatching the part of buffalo robe from their waists, 
throw it over the horns and eyes of the maddened 
animal, and darting to one side, drive an arrow or 
lance to its heart. Others dashed upon the prairies 
by the side of the affrighted beasts which had escaped 
from the throng, and closely escorting them for a few 
rods, bring down their hearts' blood in streams, and 
then- huge carcasses upon the enameled turf. 

in this way the whole herd was quickly annihilated. 
The war lasted perhaps thirty minutes, and resulted 
in the total destruction of the herd, which, with all 
their strength and fury, were doomed, like every beast, 
to fall before the destroying hands of mighty man. 



181 



I had sat trembling on mj "horse, and witnessed this 
extraordinary scene. Although I was not enabled 
to accurately estimate the number killed, yet I am 
sure several hundred buffaloes fell in this grand 
onslaught. 

After the battle the scene was curious in the ex- 
treme. The hunters were moving about amongst the 
dead and dying animals, leading their horses by their 
halters, and claiming their slain by the private marks 
upon their arrows, which they were drawing from the 
wounds in the animals' sides. A few buffaloes had 
the good fortune to escape, but, after wandering off 
on the prairie for some distance, they would stop, 
stand a while, looking around as if in bewilderment, 
then turning, as if bent on their own destruction, 
return to the herd, and mingling with the dead 
and dying, swell the slaughtered throng with their 
numbers. 

When all was finished, and the arrows had been 
claimed, a general council was held, the Indians seated 
in a circle on the ground. The pipe was passed 
around, each taking a few whiffs. 

It was decided to wait until the women and extra 
horses had arrived from the village, a messenger hav- 
ing been despatched to announce our success, and 
ordering the squaws to repair to the scene and carry 
the meat back to the encampment. "We had not long 
to wait for the arrival of the women. They came in 
a gang, making the air resound with their yells of 



182 



rejoicing. As soon as they came up they were greeted 
with disdainful silence by the assembled warriors, and 
Tonsaroyoo having issued a few directions, they fell 
to, and. were soon deep in the mysteries of skinning 
and butchering the slain buffaloes. As soon as a car- 
cass had been cut up, it was placed in a covering of 
the hide, and placed upon the pony's back waiting 
to receive it. As soon as one was loaded, an Indian 
boy took him in charge and led him off to the vil- 
lage. 

The plain presented a peculiar appearance, dotted 
here and there with the ladened ponies returning to 
camp, and reminded me of a caravan on the African 
deserts, such as I had seen in books, more than any- 
thing else. The warriors soon rode off, leaving 
the women, boys, and dogs to complete the destruc- 
tion. 

Our entry into the village was an ovation. Con- 
quering heroes could not have been more graciously 
received. During the next week all hands were en- 
gaged in a round of feasting and dancing, interspersed 
with religious ceremonies, and in some instances of 
self-immolation. ISTo scene of the long series in which 
1 was both actor and spectator, gave me a better idea 
of the Indian character. To fight, slaughter, prey, 
eat and sleep, seemed to be the end and aim of their 
existence. To outnumber his adversary and hence 
consummate his destruction, was the highest possibil- 
ity of prowess. To bear torture without evincing the 



183 



weakness of physical suffering was the sublimity of 
courage ; and when death finally overtook them, to go 
to the happy hunting grounds well supplied with the 
implements that would produce carnal enjoyment was 
the apotheosis of enjoyment! 



CHAPTER XXI. 



mrs. Eastman's story continued. 

2B HAD now been five years among the Indians, 
g|3 and during that time my life was chiefly trials 
W§) and hardships. Rest, a word unknown in my 
^ vocabulary. It would appear that I owed allegi- 
ance to no particular individual, but on the contrary, 
I was called upon to perform the most arduous tasks 
by man, woman, and child. 

My labors in the field having come to a conclusion, 
I was inducted into the mysteries of curing and dress- 
ing skins of various animals, making moccasins and 
gathering berries for the winter stock. 

During a period of three months rain had not fallen, 
and this fact gave rise to a peculiar ceremony, which 
I will briefly relate. The crops were suffering severely 
from the drought, and it was decided in council that 
the " rain makers " should invoke the clouds, and by 
a series of conjugations cause the heavens to open 
their floodgates. The women had become clamorous 
and implored the medicine-men to intercede for rain, 
that their corn patches, which were now turning pale 
and yellow, might not be withered and they be de- 
prived of the customary annual festivity and the joy- 



1S5 



fill occasion of the u roasting ears " and the " green 
corn dance." 

The plaints of the women were entertained, but 
these wise (?) men discreetly recommended caution 
and deliberation, lest by undue haste the Great Spirit 
might become incensed and defeat their endeavors. 
This stratagem was very pellucid, because the longer 
they delayed the formalities, of course the greater 
would be the chance of success ; but the importuni- 
ties of the women became daily more persistent, and 
the council was at length convened. The medicine 
men assembled in all the bravery of their grotesque 
trappings, and the fires being lighted, a large quan- 
tity of wild sage and other aromatic herbs was thrown 
upon the flames, that their savory odors might ascend 
as a peace-offering to the Great Spirit. 

Some twelve or fifteen young warriors volunteered 
to try their medicine and see if the clouds could not 
be made to yield their vapor by the charm of their elo- 
quence. It was a dreadful alternative, as, failing to 
produce any result, they suffered everlasting disgrace 
at the hands of the entire tribe. The preliminaries 
having been arranged, the candidates were drawn by 
lot and a day assigned to each one to lift his voice on 
high and persuade the rain to descend. The celebrant 
took up his position on the top of the council lodge, 
while below the worthy doctors continued to burn 
their incense, and with song, prayers, and incantations, 
commanded the clouds to obey them. 



1S6 



Wah-kee (the shield), ascended the wigwain at sun- 
rise and made elaborate preparations to frighten the 
clouds into obeying him. After indul°ino; in war- 
whoops, brandishing his lance, shield and tomahawk, 
and going through various other absurd performances, 
he subsided and betook himself to counting his mystery 
beads. The whole village had assembled, and were 
howling lustily for his success. ITot a cloud appeared 
— the day was calm and hot ; and when the sun de- 
clined behind the mountains, he descended from his 
exalted position, and withdrew with a crestfallen air. 

He returned to his lod^e a sadder if not a wiser 
man, disgraced and with no prospect of ever attain- 
ing to the dignity of a medicine man. 

The next morning the performance was repeated, 
Om-pah (the Elk), saying that his importunities would 
certainly be heard. He was quite nude, and his body 
besmeared with yellow clay. A beautiful shield was 
displayed on his left arm, and his right hand grasped 
a long lance. The skin of a raven adorned his head. 
Shield and lance were flourished, but in vain. Sot 
a cloud obscured the brightness of the noon-day sun. 
The squaws were crying, and the corn was withering 
at its roots. 

TTar-rak-pa (the beaver), was the next, but he, like 
the others, spent his time in vain; andTTak-a-dak-me 
took the stand the next morning. He was much more 
gaily attired than any of his predecessors. In addi- 
tion to a shield ornamented with " red chains of light- 



1ST 



ning," he carried in Ms left hand a bow and single ar- 
row. The concourse was as great as on any previous 
clay. Striking an attitude, he tossed np a feather to 
ascertain the course of the wind, then turning to the 
mob below, began a lengthy harangue, something after 
the following manner : 

* Apaches ! Children of the Sun ! — Yon behold me 
here a sacrifice. I shall this day relieve you of your 
distress and bring joy to your lodges, or I shall live 
among the dogs and old women for the remainder of 
my days. My friends, you saw which way my feather 
flew. I shall hold my shield in that direction, and 
the lightning will draw a great cloud, and this arrow, 
which is feathered with the quill of the white swan, 
will make a hole in it. 

w ^Warriors ! this opening in the lodge at my feet 
shows me the medicine men. They are seated in a 
circle and are crying to the Great Spirit above who 
commands the sun and clouds. Three days they have 
sat there. Have they done aught to relieve your dis- 
tress? Om-pah tried and failed, because on his 
head was the raven. It flies alove the storm. "War- 
rahpa is the beaver, and he lives under the vxiier. 
How could he succeed ? My friends, I see you are 
in great distress, and nothing has yet been done. This 
shield belonged to my father, the Mad Bull. It was 
taken from a black cloud, which will come over us to- 
day. I am the son of my father, and will surely bring 
.you relief. I have done," 



188 



Tims flourished "Wakadahme, alternately addressing 
the clouds and the people. 

It so chanced that as he was speaking, a small cloud 
appeared on the horizon, and as it approached grew 
larger, until the heavens were overcast. Then draw- 
ing his bow to its utmost tension, he let fly the arrow, 
which sped up into the gathering blackness, and was 
lost to view. Presently the sky was illumined with a 
vivid flash, and peal upon peal of thunder followed in 
rapid succession. The crowd dispersed, running to 
their lodges in the greatest confusion ; but the great 
warrior who had brought about this happy state of 
things remained at his post, strutting around the apex 
of the lodge in all the might and majesty of his new 
made glory. Even rain could not drive him away from 
the scene of his triumph. There he stood, the moist 
cynosure of all eyes. 

After this all was joy and gladness. TVakadahme 
was loaded down with honors, and every chief in the 
tribe was anxious to have him select one of his daugh- 
ters for a wife. He accommodated six of them, but 
prudential reasons interposed between him and the 
seventh. From this time forth he-was an honored and 
puissant warrior, chief, and mystery man. 

Numerous amusements were indulged in by the 
tribe, and all had for their end and aim some gambling 
operation. The youths had an exhibition of arrow 
shooting which they called the " game of the arrow." 

Those most distinguished in this exercise assembled 



189 



on the prairie a little distance from the village, and 
each one having paid his " entrance fee," such as a 
shield, robe, pipe, or other article, would step forward 
to the mark, and, selecting ten arrows, proceed to 
shoot them in the air in rapid succession. The one 
who could get the greatest number up before the 
fell to the ground claimed the " pool " and went away 
in the best of spirits, displaying his gains as he jour- 
neyed through the village. 

The older braves passed their time in horse racing. 
This species of sport varies but little among the In- 
dians from that which obtains among civilized com- 
munities. A track is mapped out upon the level 
prairie, and a couple of lances, from which pennants 
are streaming, are planted firmly in the ground at a 
point which denotes the goal. The riders start from 
the upper end of the course, and plying the whip with 
all their vigor, come thundering down the course with 
the speed of the wind. A judge .is appointed 
whose decision is irrevocable, and grouped around 
him are the spectators intent on making their 
bets and watching the progress of this tournament of 
speed. 

Occasionally sham fights are inaugurated, when 
brave meets brave in all the fierceness of battle array 
to go through the motions of Indian warfare, circling 
around the foe, or bunching together, come down on 
the enemy with startling suddenness, discharging a 
cloud of arrows, then, wheeling short around, retrace 



100 



their steps and prepare to receive the shock of their 
enemy's advance. 

One day a messenger brought the news that buffaloes 
had made their appearance on the plain, and a numerous 
party was at once formed to go in their pursuit. After 
having been gone about two days they returned laden 
with the fruits of victory, and throwing the meat down 
in one pile, issued their orders to have it cured at once. 

This arduous task was delegated to the women, and in 
a very short time poles were planted in every direction. 
The meat was dressed and then cut in long strips of 
about a quarter of an inch in thickness, and, being hung 
over the lines, was left to dry in the sunshine. When 
it is cured the buffalo meat becomes tasajo, and in this 
state may be preserved for a great length of time. It 
is cured without salt ; in fact, the Indians rarely if 
ever use this condiment, which is so essential to the 
civilized white. This seems to be accounted for by 
the fact that they use very little vegetable food. Hence, 
during my captivity, I became quite reconciled to the 
absence of salt, and for months after my return to the 
whites did not feel any desire to use it. So strong is 
the force of habit. 

It had been announced that during the annual 
religions ceremonies soon to commence, we would have 
the pleasure of entertaining a band of " club " Apaches, 
who would participate in the festivities, and prepara- 
tions of the most elaborate character were made for 
their Teception and entertainment. 



191 



Of all my experience in the character of a captive, 
these were, perhaps, the most shocking. Isever shall 
I forget the terrible ordeal of that bloody week, when 
human gore ran like water, and it seemed a miracle 
that such a band of fiends were not swept off the face 
of the earth ! 



CHAPTER XXII. 

FEASTS, FASTS 5 AXD FACTS. 

^HIS chapter is to be a faithful description of 
mystery, hocus-pocus, vou-doo, and Indian super* 
stition, concrete and abstract. The entire cere- 
^ menial of Indian worship has for its groundwork 
the basest and most groveling superstition. All events 
in any way out of the ordinary run of human affairs 
are directly traced to the Good or Evil Spirit. 

If their affairs are in any way confused, or do their 
war parties come to grief, the misfortune is laid at the 
door of O-kee-hee-de (the Evil Spirit), and when for- 
tune smiles upon them, and bountiful harvests, game, 
scalps, and victories are theirs, it is directly attributable 
to the influence of the Great Spirit. 

An infant's knowledge begins by the inculcation of 
this proposition, and during its lifetime, existence is 
enjoyable or the reverse, according as the Good or 
Evil Spirit smiles on him. In this fact is displayed 
the resemblance between a savage fetich and the ideal 
Christian religion. It is the distinction that exists 
between the bud and full-blown flower, — a wild, bar- 
barous groping after the perfected, civilized idea. The 




193 



Indian has his ideas of a heaven and a purgatory, but 
they are carnal and material. As he lives in this 
world, so he proposes to exist in the world hereafter. 
The happy hunting grounds are merely a repetition of 
his present life, only in those blissful elysian fields a 
Good Spirit wills that game shall always be in abun- 
dance, and hunting facilities inexhaustible. Contrary 
to the faith that obtains among Christians, the Indian 
maintains that the Good Spirit inhabits the realms of 
the Evil Spirit, while his opposite, the Evil One, 
haunts the domains of the blest. This curious, not to 
say absurd state of affairs, is accounted for in the fol- 
lowing manner : 

It is maintained that an Indian suffers for his crimes 
only for a length of time commensurate with the sins 
committed. Hence, while professing their conviction 
in a future administration of rewards and punishments, 
they also maintain that a very Judas of his tribe will, 
after expiating his sins, enjoy the fullest delights of his 
more upright companions. Thus it becomes very neces- 
sary, in their opinion, that the Good Spirit should meet 
them in purgatory, and by word and act increase their 
sufferings and bring them to a realizing sense of the 
power of him whom they have offended ; while, on the 
other hand, the Bad Spirit roams through their Para- 
dise still tempting the happy. Those who have gone 
to the regions of punishment, they believe will be 
tortured for a time proportioned to their offences, 

and then, being transferred to the land of the happy, 
13 



194 



they are again liable to the temptations of the Evil 
Spirit, and answerable again at a future time for their 
new offences. It will be seen that this scheme of sal- 
vation is rather crude and not as satisfactory in its 
details as one might desire. 

In regard to the topographical positions of these two 
places — heaven and hell — little can be ascertained. 
As near as I could learn, the offenders inhabited a 
country lying far to the north, where snow and ice 
were the minor concomitants of a bleak and barren 
land ; whilst they suppose the happy hunting grounds 
to be in the region of perpetual sunshine, where every 
prospect is of the most charming character, and only 
the keenest enjoyment is experienced; where buffa- 
loes and other Indian luxuries abound. 

To such lengths was superstition carried, that the 
young warriors of the tribe deemed no tortures, how- 
ever brutal or sanguinary, too severe that would by 
their endurance gain them the admittance to this 
favored region; and to this end, annual feasts and 
religious ceremonies were instituted, that the appal- 
ling cruelty of the rites might well make the stoutest 
heart tremble, and the most valiant spirit quake with 
fear. 

The Apaches were now on the eve of one of these 
festivals, and those who aspired to be considered as 
braves, .and to establish a reputation for endurance 
under pain and suffering, were making minute and 
careful preparations to endure the infliction creditably. 



195 



There was to be a series of performances under the 
sole supervision of one grand master of ceremonies. 
This worthy was the head medicine of the nation, and 
was looked up to with a species of veneration verging 
upon adoration. The rites were to be inaugurated by 
a grand dance in the open air. The ground selected 
for this performance was immediately in front of the 
medicine lodge, and embraced an area of about half 
an acre. Previous to the inception of the ceremonies, 
a number of the women were set at work with lar^e 
wooden mallets, pounding the turf, which was done 
in order to make the ground hard, smooth and level. 
As soon as this was accomplished, a curb was erected 
in the centre of the space by driving stakes in the 
ground in the form of a circle, just leaving sufficient 
space between each one to admit of a free passage of 
air. The curb rose to a height of about three feet, the 
top being covered by stretching a buffalo robe over 
the stakes. "Within this enclosure was placed a small 
stone altar, on which burned the sacred flame. Under 
no circumstances was the flame allowed to be extin- 
guished. In the event of its ceasing to burn, it would 
have been considered an ill omen, and in order to pro- 
pitiate the Good Spirit, it would have become neces- 
sary to sacrifice a female captive. 

All was now in readiness, and on the following 
morning Mahtocheega and the chiefs of the nation 
assembled in the medicine lodge preparatory to com- 
mencing the "death dance. 55 Sixteen young men 



196 



participated in the dance. They stood to one side in 
a group, isolated from the crowd. They were decked 
out in the most gorgeous trappings, each one person- 
ating some animal which they imitated as closely as 
possible, both in action and sound. 

Beginning by circling around the curb in a meas- 
ured tramp to the sound of the Indian drums and 
rattles, they gradually accelerated their pace until 
they were going at full speed, meanwhile indulging 
in the most frightful yells, groans, whoops, and cries. 
This was kept up without intermission for, perhaps, 
fifteen minutes, when the medicine man sounded a 
shrill blast on his whistle, and, as if by magic, the per- 
formers dropped upon " all fours " and began to practice 
the distinctive peculiarity of the animals they person- 
ated. Their actions were a source of considerable 
amusement to the bystanders, and each actor was ap- 
plauded vociferously when by some particular gesture, 
or trick, he faithfully portrayed the habits of the ani- 
mal he represented. Some of these actions were of a 
very gross, not to say revolting character. In the heat 
of the excitement a wild scream startled the bystand- 
ers, and soon the women were rushing in every direc- 
tion, seemingly in the most abject terror. 

Pursuing them was a hideous monster entirely nude, 
his body being blackened with charcoal and bear's 
grease until it shone like ebony ; his face was marked 
with a profusion of white rings about an inch in diam- 
eter, and around his mouth were frightful indentures 



197 



which closely resembled canine teeth. In addition to 
his hideous appearance, he gave the most frightful 
shrieks as he dashed through the crowd. This un- 
earthly creature carried in his hand a staff of about 
&ix feet in length, with a red ball at the end of it, 
which he pushed along the ground in front of him as 
he ran. All eyes, save those of the braves engaged 
in the dance, were upon him as he dashed on in pur- 
suit of the women. They fled in the wildest disorder 
falling over each other in their frantic endeavors to 
elude the monster's grasp. 

The master of ceremonies now interfered, and ad- 
vancing from his position beside the chief, ran up to 
where the women were struggling with the demon, 
and, thrusting his medicine pipe before the black 
monster, held him immovable under its charm. This 
action enabled the females to get safely out of his 
reach, and when free fiom danger, although their 
hearts still beat with the excitement, they soon became 
calm, and, seeing that he was ignominiously subjugated 
by the charm of the all-potent pipe, indulged in the 
most extravagant laughter, and shouts of applause at 
his sudden defeat, and at the ridiculous posture in 
which he was held. They presented a striking picture 
as they stood there face to face — the old man stand- 
ing erect, his face tremulous with suppressed emotion, 
while his eyes gleamed with rage and hatred. The 
evil spirit on the other hand, cowed, and trembling, 
seemed transfixed with terror. At intervals he would 



198 



make an effort to break the spell, and darting to one 
side attempt to break ofi in the direction of the prairie ; 
but the ever-vigilant chief was at his side in a twink- 
ling and holding the potent charm to his nose, reduce 
him to instant obedience. Thus they stood, the one 
with his body painted black and representing the 
Evil One, frowning everlasting vengeance on the- 
other, who sternly gazed him back with a look of exulta- 
tion and contempt, as he held him in check and pow- 
erless under the influence of his magic charm. 

"VThen the superior power of the chief had been 
fully tested and acknowledged, and the women had 
been allowed ample time to remove themselves to a 
safe distance and place innumerable barriers between 
themselves and this fiendish monster, the pipe was 
gradually withdrawn from before him, and he was 
once more allowed to follow the dictates of his low and 
bestial mind. Xo sooner did he feel himself free 
from this constraining influence than he dashed into 
the center of the group of dancers, and attacking one 
of the young men who was dressed in the guise of a 
buffalo, hi ung eeawahkstia chee a nalikstammee v.ng 
s tovca ; ee ung ee aht ghicat ee o nungths tcha ho a 
tummee osct no ah ughstom ah hi en ah nohxt givi 
aht gahtch gun ne. 

After this performance he visited three others in 
succession, and indulged in antics of a light character, 
that elicited shouts of laughter and rounds of applause. 
The Indians considered the strict observance of this 



199 



particular ceremony as highly important, and calcu- 
lated to be of great benefit in attracting game to their 
vicinity in the coming season. 

During the scene Okeehede had become quite ex- 
hausted by his exercise, and seemed to be anxiously 
looking around for some feasible means of escape. 
The women had by this time overcome the fear which 
his entrance had caused, and now gathered about him 
in shoals, poking him with bits of stick, throwing 
stones at his body, and giving expression to their dis- 
like in various wavs that suggested themselves on the 
spur of the moment. At length, one more courageous 
than the rest gathered a handful of yellow clay, and 
drawing quite near, awaited her opportunity when the 
fiend's attention was directed to another quarter, then 
dashing up to him, emptied the contents of her hands 
over his body. The change was magical ; the yellow 
clay was attracted and held by the grease with which 
his body was besmeared, turning his color from black 
to bright yellow. He seemed to become quite heart- 
broken at this signal disgrace, and losing* control of 
his feelings, commenced crying vehemently, when, as 
quick as thought, a fearless young maiden made a 
frantic clutch at the magic, bail-tipped wand. She was 
successful beyond her most sanguine anticipations, and 
flew through the crowd, bearing the trophy high above 
her head. The other women gathered around her, be- 
seeching her to let them break the wand, and thus 
end the spell. Their entreaties were at last acceded 



200 



to, and the stick was broken into fi ae bits, which were 
hurled at their whilom owner. His power was now 

gone; his strength also, and, gathering his energies 
for one grand and final effort, he plunged headlong 
towards the prairie with a howling mob of women at 
his heels. As he struggled along his movements were 
impeded by every known device, and at each fall he 
was set upon by the enraged and triumphant females, 
who exulted in his ignominious downfall, supplement- 
ing their jeers with blows from sticks, stones and 
whips, until he at length escaped by diving into the 
underbrush that grew at the base of the hills, and dis- 
appeared from view. The dance had by this time come 
to an end, and preparations were made for the com- 
mencement of the cruelties which were about to take 
place within the lodge. 

The medicine chief, who acted as master of cere- 
monies, approached Mahtocheega, and made a requi- 
sition for musicians, and after a brief consultation he 
gave orders to have two of the female captives per- 
form this arduous and monotonous task. Zoe and my- 
self were chosen, and we were at once ushered within 
the sacred precincts of the lodge. We were the only 
women who were permitted to view the scenes which 
I am about to relate. Would to God I had been spared 
the revolting spectacle ! 

As we entered, the candidates for the cruelties were 
about taking their places in sj^aces assigned them, as 
also the chiefs and doctors of the tribe, whose duty it 



201 



was to look on, bear witness to, and decide upon the 
comparative degree of fortitude with which the young 
men sustain themselves in this most excruciating or- 
deal. The chiefs situated themselves on one side of 
the lodge, and opposite them were seated the musi- 
cians. The medicine chief took up his position in the 
center of the circle, near a small fire, with his big 
pipe in his hands. Gravely filling it with k'neck 
k'nick, he lighted it at the flame, and began puffing 
great clouds in the faces of the aspirants, that the 
Great Spirit might give them strength to bear their 
tortures manfully. Directly under the apertifre in the 
roof of the lod°;e was a curious arrangement of buffalo 
and human skulls, which were divided into two par- 
cels. Placed over them at an elevation of about five 
feet was a delicate scaffold made of four posts, not 
larger than a willow rod. In the crotches of these 
poles were placed lateral rods of about the same thick- 
ness, and resting on these transversely were a number 
of still more delicate sticks. On the center of this 
frame was a small stone altar, from which issued the 
sacred fire. Immediately under the frame on the 
ground was placed a knife and a bundle of splints, 
which were kept in readiness for the infliction of the 
cruelties which I shall endeavor to explain. 

From the top of the lodge depended a number of 
cords, which, passing through the roof, were held by 
men on the outside, who, on a given signal, were tc 
suspend the victims between heaven and earth. 



202 



An attendant now advanced to our side of the 
structure, bearing in Ms arms two curious looking ob- 
jects, which, on investigation, proved to be sacks 
containing in eaeli about two gallons of water. These 
were articles of superstitious regard, aud held in great 
veneration by the Indians. They were constructed of 
the skin of the buffalo's neck, and most elaborately 
sewed together in the form of a large tortoise, with a 
bunch of eagle's quills appended to act the part of taiL 
Accompanying each was a drumstick, and, with a few 
directions how to use it, he left us. 

After. a brief incantation, accompanied by more 
vigorous puffs at the big pipe, the order was issued to 
remove the scaffold. The skulls were placed an posts 
at the back of the lodge, and two stalwart savages 
took up their positions in the center of the open space, 
one with the knife in his hand, the other holding the 
splints. 

One by one the candidates advanced ; their frames 
were greatly emaciated by the fasting, thirsting, and 
wakefulness to which they had subjected themselves 
dining four days. Placing themselves on their hands 
and feet, or otherwise, as was best suited for the per- 
formance of the operation, they were grasped roughly 
by the attendants, and an inch or more of flesh taken 
up between the thumb and finger of the man who 
held the knife. 

The knife had been ground sharply on both sides, 
and then notched, so that the effect of pushing k - 



203 



through the skin might be made as painful as possible. 
As soon as the incision was made, the attendant ran a 
skewer through the still quivering flesh. The cord 
was then lowered from the roof and fastened to the 
splints, when, the signal being given, the cords were 
tightened and the victim was suspended in mid-air. 
More splints were passed through his shoulders, arms, 
thighs, and legs. 

In some instances, they remained upon the ground 
until this painful operation was completed. The time 
consumed in preparing the victims for suspension was 
about five minutes. As the body dangled in mid-air, 
and while the blood was streaming down the victim's 
sides, the bystanders would grasp at the body, and hang 
upon the splints each man's shield, bow, and quiver. 
In some instances, a buffalo's skull was attached to his 
lower limbs, to prevent the struggling which would 
otherwise have taken place, to the disadvantage of the 
sufferer. 

"When these were adjusted, the body was raised 
higher until the weight swung clear. In this plight 
they became a fearful sight to look upon. The flesh, 
to support their bodies with the additional weights 
attached thereto, was raised some eight inches by the 
skewers, and their heads sinking forward on their 
breasts, or thrown backward in a much more frightful 
condition, was a sight that made one's blood curdle, 
and the heart turn sick at the ghastly, bloody spec- 
tacle. The fortitude with which the victims bore this 



204 



torture almost surpasses belief. As the knife was 
thrust through the flesh not a muscle moved, and 
some even called attention to their faces, and chal- 
lenged the judges to detect the first symptom of weak- 
ness or faint-heartedness. 

Truly it was a fearful sight, and as the knife ripped 
through the flesh, it was more than I could bear, and, 
throwing down the drumstick, I gave way to the most 
violent grief. It was not until I was severely admon- 
ished to continue my task, that I could sufficiently 
control my emotion and resume the horrid thrum 
thrum of the monotonous music. 

As soon as a victim was thoroughly suspended, a 
number of demons in human guise clustered around 
him, devising means that would make this exquisite 
agony more intense. One would advance with a long 
pole in his hand and commence turning the bleeding 
body, slowly at first, but the motion would be gradual- 
ly accelerated until the victim would cry out in bitter- 
ness of spirit and in tones the most lamentable and 
heart-rending that the human voice is capable of 
producing ; appealing to the Great Spirit and beseech- 
ing him not to forsake his servant in this, his horn* of 
severest agony. 

He is turned faster and faster. There is no hope for 
escape ; not the slightest respite, until by fainting he 
is relieved from his tormentors, and left to hang, 
apparently a lifeless corpse. When it has been ascer- 
tained that he is, as they term it, " entirely dead/' his 



205 



torture ceases, and there hangs suspended by cords, all 
that remains of a form that a few hours since was 
instinct with life and vigor. His medicine bag, which 
he has clung to all through the trying ordeal with the 
tenacity of despair, has dropped to the ground. Even 
this potent charm deserts its owner in his horn* of 
greatest need, when, if at any time, its supjDOsed super- 
natural protection should be most felt. 

The signal is now piven to the men on the outside 
of the lodge to lower the body, and he is gently laid 
upon the ground. In this helpless condition he lies, 
looking like some mass of putrefaction that has just 
been removed from a charnel-house. During this 
time he is said to be in the keeping of the Great Spirit, 
whom he trusts will protect, and finally give him 
strength to get up and walk away. After lying some 
time on the ground, an attendant removes the splints 
from the- breasts and shoulders, thereby disengaging 
him from the cords by which he has been suspended, 
but the others, with the weights attached, are suffered 
to remain imbedded in the bleeding wounds. 

As soon as consciousness returns he attempts to 
move. 1\ o one is allowed to assist him or offer him 
aid, as he is now in the enjoyment of one of the most 
exalted privileges that Apaches can lay claim to — that 
of trusting his life to the keeping of the Great Spirit. 
Presently he crawls away, dragging his weights after 
him, which, as they clatter over the hard earthen floor 
of the lodge, make a mournful accompaniment to his 



2( 3 



groans and sobs. He creeps to another part of the 

lodge ; where a savage sits in grim silence awaiting 
his coming. In his hand is a hatchet, and immediate- 
iy in front of him is a dried buffalo skull. The sufferer 
draws near, and, holding up the little finger of his left 
hand, makes a short speech, and calling upon the Great 
Spirit to witness his self-sacrifice, unflin c hing ly lavs 
the doomed finger on the skull. One quick, sharp 
stroke by the Indian who wields the hatchet and the 
finger drops from the hand — a sacrifice to a fanatic's 
zeal. 

No bandages are applied to the fingers, nor are any 
arteries taken up; in fact, no attention whatever of a 
surgical character is paid to the wounds, lacerations, 
and bruises. They are left for the 4% Great Spirit to 
cure.'' 

It is rather remarkable that the bleeding is not so 
profuse as might be expected from the severity of the 
torture, and soon ceases, probably from the fact of 
their extreme exhaustion and debility ; the want of 
sustenance and sleep, checks the natural circulation, 
and is at the same time an admirable preparation for 
the tortures, and enables them to bear the infliction 
without the same degree of pain that might, under other 
circumstances, result in inflammation and death. Dur- 
ing these cruel scenes, the chiefs and dignitaries of :_e 
tribe arelc king on unmoved, and by taking mental notes 
of the way in which the victim bears this terrible tor-- 
ture, decide who are the hardiest and stoutest hearted. 



who can hang the longest by his flesh without fainting, 
and who will be the soonest up after he is cut down. 
In this way they judge of the physical capacity of the 
young braves to bear hunger, fatigue, and suffering ; 
and to those who acquit themselves the most worthily 
is entrusted the leadership of "forlorn hopes," war 
parties resolved on desperate enterprises, etc., etc. 

This scene was enacted during a whole day, and in 
that time some forty or fifty young men%went through 
the agonies of suspension and amputation. All the 
while the din and clatter was undiminished. Did we 
but relax our efforts for a moment, a brawny savage 
was at our side, and by word and blow commanded us 
to recommence. 

What with the physical and mental fatigue caused 
by this continuous and seemingly everlasting thrum- 
ming, joined to the horrid sights, sounds and emotions 
to which we were subjected, and the revolting and 
bloody nature of the drama, it seemed as if we were 
under the influence of a horrid nightmare. As if we 
had suddenly been wafted away in the arms of some 
hideous genii to realms of darkness, and were malici- 
ously compelled to be the unwilling spectators of 
scenes which even at this day, the bare remembrance 
of, causes the blood to chill with horror and the frame to 
vibrate with agony at their recollection. God grant 
that such cruelties may soon disappear off the face of 
the earth, together with the actors and instigators of 
these horrible rites ! 



CHAPTEE XXIII. 



THE WAR PARTY. 

HE following morning found me entirely occu- 
pied with my new plan of escape, and I lost no 
time in gaining such information as I could, con- 
cerning Stonhawon's intentions respecting his 
projected expedition. 

By making a few cautious inquiries of some of the 
warriors whom I knew to be favorably disposed towards 
me, I learned that the party would probably depart 
within three days. The first point necessary to the 
success of my plan was to obtain the consent of W a- 
kometkla, and this I feared would be no easy task. 
After considering the matter fully, I concluded that 
my best course would be first to get Stonhawon's per- 
mission to accompany the party, and, if possible, in- 
duce him to intercede for me with the old medicine 
man. 

To the lodge of this redoubtable chief I accordingly 
bent my steps, and, on approaching it, found him 
seated without, engaged in conversation with several 
of the older warriors. Not daring to interrupt their 
conference, I remained at a little distance until the 





209 



interview was ended. From the few sentences I over- 
heard I concluded that the chief was unfolding his 
plans or some portion of thern to the principal war- 
riors of his party. Directly the council seemed to be 
over, and the warriors separated, leaving the chief 
seated as before at the entrance to his lodge. I was 
about to approach him and proffer my request, when 
Hissodecha, the renegade, suddenly made his appear- 
ance, and walking directly up to Stonhawon addressed 
him as follows : 

" My brother is going on the war-path ? 5? 

"Yes, Hissodecha," said the chief ; "I am weary 
of this idleness, and my young men are impatient and. 
clamor to be led against the Arapahoes, who have in- 
vaded our territory and cut off several of our hunting 
parties. I have therefore determined to take out a 
strong party and strike a blow that will teach these 
cowardly horse thieves a lesson ? ,? 
y " Stonhawon, 5 ' said Hissodecha, " it is my wish that 
we should be friends, and that the ill-feeling which 
has existed between us and our young men should 
cease. For this reason I have come to offer you my 
services on your expedition as a volunteer, and if you 
accept my offer, I will join your party with my entire 
band and serve under your orders. Let my brother 
speak. I await his decision. 

While Hissodecha was speaking, I observed a grati- 
fied expression upon the countenance of Stonhawon, 

and I saw that he would gladly avail himself of the 

14 



210 



renegade's offer. But why Hissodeclia should make 
so unusual a proposition puzzled me extremely, and I 
waited anxiously to hear the remainder of their conver- 
sation. 

As the renegade ceased speaking, Stonhawon arose 
in silence, filled and lighted his pipe and passed it to 
Hissodecha, who took a few whiffs and returned it to 
the chief. The latter followed his example, and then, 
emptying the pipe, he returned it to its case of fawn 
skin, gaily decorated with the quills of the porcupine 
stained in bright colors, and spoke as follows : 

" Hissodecha, your words are good ; you are a great 
brave, and you shall ride with me on the war-path. 
With your aid I shall surely be successful, and when 
we return in triumph, who shall deny to the friend of 
Stonhawon a seat in the council ? I know my brother's 
wish, and it shall yet be gratified. ]STow,let us assem- 
ble our warriors and make ready for departure, as I 
wish to start before sunrise to-morrow." 

To this the renegade yielded a ready assent, adding 
that his party could be ready to leave in an hour if 
necessary. He then said : 

t6 l must ask my brother one favor, and that is that 
Tahteckadahair may accompany our party." 

" Why does Hissodecha ask this ? " said the chief, 
looking at me in surprise ; for, on hearing my name 
mentioned, I had drawn nearer. " Does my brother 
not know that no one but Wakometkla can grant his 
request ? " 



211 



" Because," said Hissodecha, " if Stonhawon asks 
the medicine chief, he will not refuse ; but "were I to 
make such a request, it would be in vain." 

Stonhawon reflected for a moment and then addressed 
me so abruptly that for an instant I was confused and 
unable to make a reply. 

" Tahteckadahair," said he, " why do yon wish to 
join the war party which I am about to take out ? " 

I was endeavoring to frame a reply when the rene- 
gade answered for me. 

" The young man is tired," he said, " of being left 
in the village with the squaws and old men while the 
other young brayes are going to war or to hunt and 
winning scalps and plunder. He thinks that he slionld 
be giyen the same priyileges as others since he has 
been regularly adopted into the tribe, and I think his 
request is a reasonable one and should be granted." 

I now added my persuasions to those of Hissodecha, 
and Stonhawon finally said that if Tv T akometkla ? s con- 
sent could be gained he would haye no objection to my 
forming one of his party. He also said that he would 
speak to the medicine chief and use his influence to 
get his consent to my making my first appearance as 
a warrior. 

He was as good as his word, and a few hours later 
I saw him enter the temple, evidently in search of the 
old man. Hissodecha was confident that his request 
would be granted, and I accordingly busied myself, 
under his direction, in preparing to make my debut as 



212 



a Camanche brave on tlie war-path. The renegade easily 
supplied me with the necessary weapons and equip- 
ments from his own stock, and I soon found myself 
provided with a long steel-pointed lance, adorned with 
a crimson pennon, and a sort of battle-axe of an an- 
cient pattern, evidently the spoil of some Mexican 
hacienda. 

Besides these a war bow, a quiver of arrows, their 
points dipped in the subtle poison used by the Ca- 
manches, and a tomahawk and scalping-knife were 
given me. These completed my offensive equipments. 

For defense, besides all these, I received a circular 
shield made of the tough hide of the buffalo bull 
stretched upon a wooden frame, and dried and harden- 
ed until it was almost of the consistency of iron. To 
provide me with a horse was the next thing in order, 
and this did not promise to be very difficult, as more 
than two thousand mustangs were grazing upon the 
plain. 

The renegade, however, was not easily suited in his 
choice of a horse. Thorough horse jockeys as all the 
Camanches are, Hissodecha seemed the sharpest of 
the tribe in this particular. Of this fact I had be- 
come aware long before, for in the races which the 
Indians so frequently indulged in, he was almost in- 
variably the winner, thus showing that he possessed 
rare knowledge and judgment of the points of a good 
horse. 

On this occasion I began to think that he would ex- 



213 



haust the supply before he found one to his mind, but 
after rejecting about forty for one fault or another, 
most of which blemishes I was entirely unable to dis- 
cover, he fixed upon a large piebald mustang as the 
one who should have the honor of bearing me upon 
my first war-path. 

Leading the horse back towards the village, we soon 
reached the spot where the warriors who were to form 
the expedition had already picketed their horses for 
the night, so as to be ready for an early start on the 
morrow. Staking my new acquisition out upon the 
plain, we returned to the lodge, and my strange friend, 
handing me a hair bridle and a buffalo robe and 
leathern girth, told me to get some food and return 
to his lodge in an hour, and he would " paint " me 
for the war-path. I was too much excited to eat much, 
and my simple meal was soon dispatched. 

On entering the temple, I had looked around ap- 
prehensively, expecting to meet "Wakometkla, and 
rather dreading to encounter him, feeling uncertain 
what sort of a reception I would meet with. The 
old medicine man, however, was not to be seen, and 
I wandered through the various apartments with 
which I had become so familiar during the long years 
of my captivity, wondering if this was really to be my 
last look at them, or if my desperate scheme was to 
result in failure, and end in my being brought back, 
perhaps to torture and death. 

It was now time for me to return to Hissodecha, 



214 



and I started to leave the temple for that purpose. 
Crossing the mystery chamber, I was about to ascend 
the ladder, when a tall form suddenly emerged from 
the obscurity of a recess in the wall, and Wakometkla 
stood before me. The old man seemed strangely mov- 
ed for one of his stern nature and practical stoicism. 
Taking me by the hand, he led me to the center of 
the room, where the light of the sacred fire enabled 
him to more plainly discern my features, and gazed 
upon me for a moment without speaking. At length he 
spoke in a low tone, unlike his usual sonorous accents : 

" So my son is not content to remain in peace and 
safety with me here, but longs to go forth in search 
of adventure, and to emulate the deeds of the foolish 
young braves, who imagine that they are already 
great warriors V- * 

I was at a loss what to reply, but managed to mutter 
a few words expressive of my desire to take part in at 
least one war party, and assured him that I would be 
certain to return in safety. 

" You cannot be sure of that ; " said the old man, in 
what seemed to me a sad tone, " we cannot control 
our fate ; but as you wish to go you shall have your 
wish. At Stonkawon's request I have given my con- 
sent, and I shall sacrifice to Quetzalcoatl for your 
speedy and safe return. £Tow go and complete your 
preparations, for you have no time to lose.'' 

So saying, he turned and left the apartment without 
another word. 



215 



At this moment, despite my ardent longing to 
escape from an existence that was loathsome to me, 
and return to my own people, I could not avoid a 
feeling of regret at the idea of parting from this 
noble specimen of his race, to whom I was indebted for 
my life, and for the many acts of kindness which had 
rendered my captivity endurable. But the measure of 
regret I felt was not sufficient to turn me from my 
purpose, and remembering my appointment with His- 
sodecha, I hastened to fulfill it. 

In crossing the open square before the temple, I 
met Stonhawon, who informed me that the party 
would start at daybreak, and warned me to be in readi- 
ness. Assuring him that there was no danger of my 
forgetting it, I hurried to the lodge of the renegade, 
whom I found in no very amiable humor at my delay. 
On explaining the cause of my detention, his ill tem- 
per was abated, and he quickly proceeded to prepare 
me for my appearance in my new role of an Indian 
warrior. Stripping me entirely, he invested me with 
a new pair of leggings and mocassins ; leaving me 
naked to the waist. Producing a number of little 
packets containing pigments of various colors, he com- 
menced operations by painting my face, neck and 
breast blood red, and my arms and the rest of my per- 
son that was exposed in alternate bands of black and 
yellow. Upon my breast he delineated with consid- 
erable skill the figure of a grizzly bear ; upon my 
forehead a star, and across my face narrow stripes of 



216 



black. My arms he encircled with black and white 
rings at regular intervals, and then laying aside his 
colors, held up before me a small mirror, that I might 
view the picture I presented. My contemplation of 
myself satisfied me that I made about as hideous look- 
ing a savage as any in the village — but of that the 
reader can judge for himself from the accompanying 
picture, which is a very accurate representation of me 
as I then appeared. Hissodecha finished his work by 
saturating my hair, which reached nearly to my waist, 
with a mixture of oil and some black coloring, which ren- 
dered my appearance more savage than ever. He then 
bound about my head a narrow fillet or band of scarlet 
cloth, and placed in it two feathers or plumes stained 
blue. He then stood off and viewed me for a moment, 
and pronounced my toilet complete, with the excep- 
tion of a few ornaments. These he soon provided in 
the shape of a pair of bracelets of roughly beaten gold. 
My necklace of silver, which Wakometkla had placed 
upon my neck when he first took me in charge, I still 
wore, and the renegade, surveying his work with some 
complacency, remarked that no young brave of the 
party would present a finer or more warlike appearance 
from the Indian point of view than myself. He then 
presented me with a fine serccpe for protection against 
the weather, and advising me to get what sleep I 
could, dismissed me for the night, bidding me lie 
down in his lodge upon some skins. My excitement, 
however, was so great, that I found it impossible to 



217 



sleep ; I wafis impatient for the dawn, that I might be 
in motion, and leaving ray hated valley prison, as 1 
fondly hoped, for the last time. 

The hours dragged wearily away, and it seemed as 
if the morning would never come ; but at last a faint 
glimmer of light in the east showed that the time fox 
action had come. I started up, and taking my simple 
horse furniture, made my way to where the horses 
were picketed. I found many of the warriors already 
astir and leading their horses to the water. Joining 
them, I had soon attended to the wants of my 
charger, bridled him, and strapping the buffalo robe 
upon his back, I mounted him and rode back to 
the lodge of Hissodecha. At the same time he 
emerged from the lodge in all the full glory of his 
war paint. His horse had already been brought up 
by one of his band, and advising me to eat as hearty 
a meal as possible, he mounted and rode down to 
where the warriors were assembling. Hastily devour- 
ing a few mouthfuls of tasajo, I speedily followed 
him, and although but a few moments had elapsed, 
found the party almost ready to start. 

The entire population of the village had by this 
time assembled to see us off, and I found myself the 
subject of some very flattering remarks as I rode 
through the throngs of women, children, and dogs, 
while immediately surrounding the war-party were 
grouped all the male members of the community who 
were not of the expedition. The renegade had di« 



218 



rected me to attach myself to his band, and I accord- 
ingly did so, being received with great cordiality by 
the younger braves, who complimented me on my 
warlike aspect and fine equipments. Stonhawon, who 
had been holding a hurried consultation with Ton- 
saroyoo, who stood aloof as though not wishing to 
compromise his dignity by evincing any interest in an 
expedition which he did not lead, now rode up and 
gave the signal for departure. Instantly the band, 
numbering about five hundred warriors, wheeled, and 
forming with the rapidity of thought in single file, 
the only formation used on the march by the prairie 
Indians, rode off at a rapid pace down the valley, 
amid the shouts and yells of those we left behind. By 
this time the sun had fully risen, and on looking back 
I could see upon the summit of the temple the usual 
group of priests and their assistants, and among them 
I could plainly distinguish the tall figure of Wako- 
metkla. I fancied that I could see him wave his hand 
as if in adieu, but it may have been only fancy, for 
the distance was too great to decide with certainty. 

As we rode rapidly along, I noted every object' 
rendered familiar by my long residence in the valley 
with a peculiar interest, for I hoped that I was look- 
ing upon the well-known scene for the last time. 

It was a glorious morning, and the exhilaration of 
the rapid motion, as my horse bore me along with 
proud, springy step, seemed to increase my strength, 
and I experienced a buoyancy of spirits and a vigor of 



219 



body I had never known before. I felt strangely 
hoDefnl and exultant- — in fact it seemed as if I were 

JL 

already free. 

Riding rapidly we soon reached the valley's lower 
extremity, and passing around the face of the clifl 
upon the narrow ledge described in a previous chapter, 
we crossed the crest of the mountain range, and de- 
scended by a zig-zag trail to the plain below. 

Our route lay directly across the desert to the east- 
ward, and it was well into the afternoon before we 
had passed it and reached the great grass prairie 
beyond. On reaching the prairie our course was 
deflected to the north, and about sundown we halted 
at a spring known as the " Ojo Caliente " which the 
leaders of the party had evidently selected as our 
camping ground for the night. The order to halt 
once given, we went into bivouac with marvelous 
celerity. Our horses were picketed in a wide circle 
far out upon the plain, as the gramma grass there is 
longer and more luxuriant than in the immediate 
neighborhood of the springs. Stripping our animals 
of their equipments, we bring them to within about a 
hundred yards of the spring. Each man strikes his 
spear into the ground, and rests against it his shield, 
bow and quiver. He places his robe or skin beside 
it. There is his tent and bed. The row of spears 
are soon aligned upon the prairie, forming a front of 
several hundred yards, and our camp is complete. 
IS^o drilled troops in the world can equal the rapidity 



220 



with which these Indians form or break camp ; and 
yet every movement is executed without orders, and 
as if by intuition. Fires were soon kindled, and strips 
of tasajo brought forth and cooked. Pipes were 
lighted, and the warriors sit in groups around the red 
blaze, recounting then 1 adventures, and laughing and 
chattering incessantly. The paint glitters upon their 
naked bodies in the glare of the files ; it is a wild and 
savage scene, and yet grotesque in it? very savageness. 
For two hours we remain about the fires, some cook- 
ing and eating, others smoking, others freshening the 
hideous devices of the war paint with which all are 
besmeared. Then the horse-guard is detailed, and 
marches off to the cabailada, and the Indians, one 
after another, spread their robes upon the ground, 
roil themselves in their scrapes or blankets, and are 
soon asleep. For a time I found it impossible to sleep, 
although wearied with the unaccustomed exercise of 
the journey. Eeclining upon my robe in a half 
sitting posture, I watch the scene around me. The 
fires have ceased to blaze, but by the light of the 
moon I can distinguish the prostrate bodies of the 
savages. "White objects are moving among them; 
they are dogs, prowling about in search of the remains 
of their supper. These run from point to point, 
growling at one another, and barking at the coyotes 
that sneak around the outskirts of the camp. Oat upon 
the prairie the horses are still awake and busy. I can 
hear them stamping their hoofs and cropping the rich 



221 



pasture. At intervals along the line I can see erect 
forms standing motionless; these are the guards of 
the caballada. At length I begin to grow drowsy, 
and lying down upon my robe, I wrap myself in my 
serape, and in a few moments am asieep. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



MY FIRST SCALP. 

3R WAS roused before dawn by the stir and bustle 
ggj around me. On rising to my feet, I found the 
party preparing to inarch. Every warrior ran 
o out for his horse ; the pickets were drawn, and 
the animals led in and watered. They are bridled ; 
the robes are thrown over them and girthed. We 
pluck up our lances, sling our quivers, seize our shields 
and bows, and leap lightly upon horseback. Our line 
is already formed, and, wheeling in our tracks, we 
ride off in single file to the northward. 

From conversation with my companions the night 
previous, I had discovered that only the leaders of the 
party knew our destination. The rank and file were 
as ignorant of the intentions of their commanders as 
is usually the case among the armies of more civilized 
peoples. The young braves who were my chosen 
companions on the march and in the camp, neither 
knew nor cared whither we were bound. They ex- 
pected the expedition to result in our return with an 
abundance of scalps and plunder, and that w^as all they 
eared about. During the forenoon we passed over a 
" motte " of prairie or park. Its surface was nearly 



228 

level, but it was studded here and there with clumps 
and coppices of cottonwoods and other trees and shrubs. 

To the north the horizon was shut in by a lofty 
mountain chain which seemingly barred our pathway, 
although at a great distance, and between us and this 
barrier was a range of much less elevation, such as 
are called "foot hills " in this region. 

About noon we came upon a small stream which 
crossed our line of march, running off to the eastward. 
Upon its banks we halted for a 6hort period, watering 
and feeding our horses, and satisfying our own appe- 
tites from our supply of dried meat. This done we 
resumed our march. We now found the timber islands 
became less frequent, and in half an hour's ride we 
left them altogether behind, and rode for several miles 
over an open plain. We saw timber ahead of us, and 
had approached within about a mile of it when one of 
the runners or spies, about fifty of whom were scout- 
ing ahead, came back and reported to the chief that 
they had discovered a small herd of buffalo grazing 
upon a small prairie or sort of natural clearing be- 
yond the belt of woods. 

Although we were well provided with dried meat, 
the prospect of fresh buffalo steak was not un pleasing, 
and a hunt was at once determined upon. 

Halting the party Stonhawon directed the renegade 
to take his own band and join the scouts ahead. To- 
gether the bands would constitute a hunting party of, 
about one hundred warriors, quite large enough for 



224 



the destruction of the small herd before us. As I had 
attached myself to the band of Hissodecha, I found 
myself destined to take part in the enterprise, and an- 
ticipated no little amusement and sport. 

Riding forward cautiously until we reached the tim- 
ber, which was a not very dense chaparral, we rode 
slowly and silently through the bushes until we en- 
countered a number of scouts cached in the thicket, 
and evidently waiting for us. 

"What is it Han-na-ta-mauh ? " asked Hissodecha 
of the leader of the scouts as they rode up. 

The scout replied that they had found the fresh 
tracks of a small herd of buffaloes, and on following 
them up had found the animals feeding upon a small 
prairie beyond the chaparral in which we were concealed. 
The renegade dismounted, and telling me to accom- 
pany him, walked forward with the scout to the edge 
of the thicket. Peering cautiously through the leaves, 
we had a full view of the open ground. The buffa- 
loes were upon the plain. 

It was, as Hanatamauh had said, a small prairie 
about a mile and a half in width, closed in on all 
sides by a thick chaparral. Kear the center was a 
motte of heavy timber growing up from a dense un- 
derwood. A spur of willows running out from the 
timber denoted the presence of water. 

" There's a spring there," said the renegade, turn- 
ing to me ; " I have been here before, and know the 
ground. How can we get at them ? " he continued, 



225 



turning to the scout ; " do yon think we can approach 
them?" 

"No," said Hanatainauh, "there is not cover 
enough ; and besides, they are getting further away 
from the bushes as they feed." 

" What then ? " asked Hissodecha ; " we can't run 
them ; they would be off through the thicket in a mo- 
ment, and we would lose them all." 

" Yes," replied the scout, " that is certain ; but we 
can get them for all that. I never saw a better place 
for a i surround,' and it will take but a short time to 
get your braves in position." 

" True," said Hissodecha, " if the wind is right. 
How is it ? " 

" There is none," said the scout taking a feather 
from his head-dress and tossing it in the air. " You 
see it falls direct." 

" I see," said Hissodecha ; " let us divide the men. 
We have enough to pen them in completely. You 
can guide one-half of them to their stands. 1 will go 
with the rest. You, Tahteckadahair," he continued, 
" had better bring up your horse and stay where you 
are. It is about as good a stand as you can get. You 
will have to wait patiently, as it may be an hour be- 
fore all are placed. When you hear the signal, which 
will be the hunter's whistle, you may gallop forward 
and do your best. If we succeed we shall have plenty 
of sport and a good supper, and I suppose you are 

ready for that by this time." 

15 



226 



The renegade now left me, followed by the scout, 

and went back to the rest of the party. Their inten- 
tion was to separate the band into two equal parries, 
and each taking an opposite direction, to place men at 
regular intervals around the prairie. They would keep 
in the chaparral while on the march, and only discover 
themselves when the signal was given. In this way, 
if the buffaloes did not take the alarm, we should be 
almost certain of securing the entire herd. 

As soon as Hissodecha left me, I selected my hunt- 
ing arrows, which, unlike those used for war, are not 
poisoned. Then I brought up my horse, and having 
nothing else to do, I remained seated upon his back 
watching the animals as they fed on, unaware of their 
danger. 

The screaming of birds who flew up from the thicket 
showed that the hunters were proceeding to their 
stands. Xow and then an old bull, standing like a 
sentinel on the outskirts of the herd, would snuff' the 
wind and strike the ground violently with his hoof as 
though suspecting that something was wrong ; but the 
others did not seem to mind him and kept on cropping 
the luxuriant grass. Suddenly an object made its 
appearance, emerging from the motte in the center of 
the prairie. It looked like a buffalo calf proceeding 
to join the others. As usual, a pack of coyotes were 
sneaking around the herd, and these, on perceiving the 
calf, made an instant attack upon it. To my surprise, 
it seemed to fight its way through them, and soon 



227 



joined the herd and was lost to view among them. I 
thought no more of it, and was wondering how much 
longer I would have to wdit for the signal, when I 
noticed that the buffaloes were lying down one after 
another. 

In a few minutes eight or ten were stretched upon 
the turf, and I observed that they fell suddenly as if 
shot, and some of them appeared to kick and struggle 
violently. I had heard of a curious habit of these 
animals known as " wallowing," and concluded tliis 
must be it. As I had never witnessed this manoeuvre, 
I watched them as attentively as possible, but the high 
grass prevented me from seeing much. At all events, 
I thought, the " surround " will be complete before 
they get ready to move, and I waited patiently for 
the signal. 

The buffaloes still continued to lie down one after 
another, and at length the last one of the herd stretched 
himself upon the prairie. At this instant the shrill 
notes of the Indian whistle reached my ears, and' a 
wild yell arose from all sides of the prairie. I urged 
my horse forward ; a hundred others had done the 
same, all yelling at the top of their voices as they shot 
out of the thicket. Filled with the wild excitement 
incident to such a scene, I galloped forward with my 
bow strung and arrows ready, intent upon having the 
first shot. To my surprise the buffaloes did not stir. 
The Indians closed in, yelling as they came, and we 
pulled up our horses in the very midst of the prostrate 



228 



herd, I .sat upon my horse as if spell-bound, looking 
about me in consternation and wonder. Before me 
lay the bodies of the buffaloes, and I seized with a 
superstitious awe when I perceived that every one of 
them was dead or dying. Blood flowed from their 
mouths and nostrils, and from wounds in the side of 
each the red stream trickled down. The prairie car- 
pet was dyed with it. 

My companions seemed at first as much surprised as 
myself, but some of the more astute quickly divined 
the mystery and commenced looking about with keen 
scrutiny. Suddenly the renegade urged his horse for- 
ward, and on turning to see what he had discovered, 
I saw the buffalo calf, whose existence I had for a 
time forgotten. The calf had been concealed behind 
the carcass of one of the buffaloes, but now appeared 
to be endeavoring to make off into the timber. 

Hissodecha rode up to it, evidently intending to 
pierce it with his lance, when the animal suddenly 
reared up, uttering a wild human scream. The shaggy 
hide was thrown aside, and a naked savage appeared, 
holding up his arms as if pleading for mercy. His 
appeal was a vain one, however, for the ruthless rene- 
gade pinned him to the earth with a thrust of his 
lance, and, springing from his horse, finished him with 
his tomahawk. He then scalped him, and, remount- 
ing his horse, directed some of the warriors to scour 
the prairie, as they might find another "calf" con- 
cealed in the long grass. With the rest of the party 



229 



he rode up to the motte, and they quickly formed in 
a circle, around it. Familiar as I had become with 
Indian cruelty, I felt a sensation of horror and disgust 
at this cool shedding of blood, and I halted irreso- 
lutely by the body of the dead Indian. He lay 
stretched upon his back, naked to the breech clout, 
the red stream flowing from the lance wound in his 
side. His limbs quivered, but it was in the last spasm 
of departing life. 

The hide in which he had been disguised lay near 
him, where he had flung it at the moment he was dis- 
covered. Beside him were a bow and several arrows. 
The latter were covered with blood, the feathers 
steeped in it and clinging to the shafts. They had 
pierced the bodies of the buffaloes, passing entirely 
through. Each arrow had taken many lives. 

I was still contemplating the dead man, when a yell 
from the motte attracted my attention, and I rode 
thither. I reached the spot just in time to see the 
body of another Indian dragged out from the thick 
undergrowth, and his fortunate slayer, who happened 
to be one of the younger braves, took the scalp with 
great complacency, as it was his first trophy of the 
kind. The Indians evidently believed that another of 
the Coyoteros or "Wolf Apaches, for to this tribe the 
two dead savages were declared to belong, was con- 
cealed in the thicket, for they were formed in a sort 
of irregular circle around the copse, peering into it 
from every direction. Hissodecha now ordered the 



230 



warriors to close in from every direction and search 
the thicket. In this manoeuvre I found myself com- 
pelled to take part, as otherwise I would have incurred 
the stigma of cowardice. "We dismounted from our 
horses and pressed into the thicket from all sides. 
For a few seconds nothing could be heard but the 
cracking of the undergrowth as we forced our way 
through it. Suddenly a yell arose from the side 
opposite to my position, and almost instantly a third 
Coy otero sprang from a dense clump of willows near 
the spring, and made for the opening. It chanced 
that I was directly in his path, and he was rushing 
upon me with upraised knife. Strong as might be 
my repugnance to taking human life, the instinct of 
self-preservation was still stronger, and before he 
could reach me I had pierced him with an arrow, and 
he fell dead almost at my feet. In an instant the 
warriors had gathered around me, and I was being 
congratulated upon my bravery and skill. Not feel- 
ing particularly proud of the achievement, I was 
about to remount my horse, when Hissodecha re- 
minded me that I had neglected to scalp the fallen 
foe ; so I was compelled to perform that operation, 
which I did rather clumsily. A thorough search 
through the thicket and over the prairie having satis- 
fied my savage companions that no more of the Coyo- 
teros had been present, we returned to the dead buffa- 
loes and began skinning and cutting them up. 

Stonhawon soon arrived with the remainder of the 



231 



band, and as it was nearly sundown, we encamped 
upon the spot ; the spring furnishing water, and the 
grass of the prairie an abundance of rich food for the 
horses. As for ourselves, we feasted in true savage 
fashion, finding the fresh steaks, tongues, and hump 
ribs a decided improvement upon the tasajo which 
had previously been our diet. 

I was compelled to listen to many encomiums upon 
my courage and dexterity, and some of the young 
braves ventured the opinion that Tahteckadahair 
would soon be as great a warrior as Hissodecha. 

Painfully impressed by the scene of slaughter in 
which 1 had been an unwilling participant, I held my- 
self aloof as much as possible from the merry groups 
around the camp fires, and at an early hour wrapped 
myself in my blanket, and wearied by the fatigue and 
excitement of the past two days, I was soon buried in 
a heavy and dreamless sleep, which continued until 
the dawn of another morning again compelled me to 
come forth ; and this time it was not as an inexperienc- 
ed brave, but as an acknowledged warrior ; for I had 
slain an enemy and taken my first scalp. I cannot say, 
however, that my increase of notoriety was a source 
of satisfaction to me, but quite the contrary. 

Somewhat to my surprise we remained by the motte 
spring for three days. This was necessary in order to 
convert the buffalo meat into tasajo, as we had not a 
sufficient supply for our purpose. 

On the evening of the third day, the meat being 



232 



sufficiently " cured," we " struck camp " and rode off 
to the north until we had reached the chain of moun- 
tains which crossed our path. Here we turned to the 
eastward, and journeyed along their base intending to 
cross at a well known pass about twenty miles above. 
Reaching it at nightfall we again encamped, design- 
ing to pass the mountain range the next morning. 



CHAPTEE XXV. 

THE FEAST OF THE GREEN CORN. 

? IIE fields, or more properly speaking, the patches 
of corn were quickly ripening, thanks to the 
arduous efforts of "Wakadakme and his wonder- 
ful arrow, and the whole tribe was waiting im- 
patiently the time when the signal should announce 
that the feast of the green corn was about to com- 
mence. Next to fighting, your Indian likes eating ; 
about one half of his time is employed in catering to 
the cravings of his stomach. When not engaged in 
fighting his enemies, or marauding in the vicinity of 
the Mexican border-towns, he occupies his energies in 
the hunt or chase. Ab the time of my enforced resi- 
dence among the Apaches, they were not restricted and 
confined to reservations as at present. They consid- 
ered themselves masters of the country which they in- 
habited, and were free to roam in any direction their 
fancy might dictate. When in search of game, they 
would scour the plains to the northward, and on some 
occasions would penetrate deep into the country of 
their enemies, the Crows and Blackfeet. Numerous 
encounters would result from this intrusion on the 



234 



rights of others. At times they would meet and re- 
pulse their opponents, and continue the hunt, return 
laden with the fruits of the chase, and girdles plenti- 
fully garnished with their victim's scalps. 

At such times, their return home partook of the 
character of an ovation ; fires would be lighted, food 
prepared in abundance, and high revelry be the order 
of the day. Gathered around the council fires, with 
an eager and attentive multitude of old men, women 
and children, constituting themselves an audience, 
the braves would indulge in the most fantastic and 
highly colored narratives of their deeds of valor and 
heroic bearing in the presence of an enemy. Seated 
m a circle around the blazing fire, and smoking their 
clay pipes, each one in turn would relate the inci- 
dents of his particular case, reciting the most improb- 
able deeds of valor, and ending up, usually, with the 
oft-told tale, of how he gained his sobriquet. 

His listeners had doubtless heard the same story on 
many similar occasions, but repetition has no horror 
for an Indian, and judging from the flattering silence 
with which his speech is received, and the many com- 
plimentary expressions with which he is greeted at its 
close, one would at once conlcude that the remarks 
were new and original. Boasting is an Indian's weak 
point ; given a listener, and the amount of bombast 
and mock heroics which he will inflict on one, sim- 
ply staggers belief. 

If, on the contrary, the hunting party has not been 



235 



successful, but defeat and misfortune has been tlieir 
portion, then the scene is changed. In place of feast- 
ing and revelry, they are greeted with a death-like 
silence, and, as the remnant of the party defile through 
the village, they are objects of the closest scrutiny by 
anxious mothers and wives. If the keen eyes of love, 
search in vain for the form of him, who a few weeks be- 
fore left the village in the glory and vigor of manhood, 
a heart-rending wail goes up, which is instantly echoed 
by the assembled women, until the welkin resounds 
with mournful cries. As on more joyful occaions, a 
rush is made in the direction of the council lodge, and it 
then becomes the painful duty of the survivors to re- 
late their mishaps, and how such and such an one met 
the enemy with his accustomed bravery, and fore- 
most fighting, fell. 

In these recitals, the party in question always meet a 
foe who vastly outnumbers them, and according to their 
account, their opponents always suffer terribly in slain, 
and would have eventually been overcome, and com- 
pletely routed, had not some trifling accident — which 
could not be forseen — occurred to mar the effects of 
their stunning prowess. 

I have never seen an Indian fight, and am not able 
to judge of their actions on the field of battle, but, if 
observations of the red man in his home, is any cri- 
terion, I should venture the opinion that an Apache 
would fight valiantly under one condition, namely : 
when his party were numerically stronger than the op* 



236 



posing force. I think they have a just appreciation of 
the Falstaffian method of conducting warfare, and are 
firmly convinced that " he who fights and runs away," 
has better opportunities for glory, rapacity and booty, 
another day. 

As these pages are being written, the country is 
again startled by the news of fresh Indian outrages, 
this time, against the constituted authority of the coun- 
try, and close on the heels of the news of the reopen- 
ing of Indian hostilities, comes the thrilling intelli- 
gence that a General has been shot in cold blood, and 
whilst under the protecting and sacred influence of a 
flag of truce. Such dastardly and treacherous con- 
duct, thrills one with a righteous indignation, and we 
are more than ever impressed with the belief that 
measures, the most rigorous, should be instituted, and 
that the goverment should put to one side any feelings 
of mawkish sentimentality, and mete out to these red- 
handed savages the retribution their deserts merit 

The case under consideration is only one among 
many. How many immigrant trains dragging their 
slow length over the trackless and boundless prairies, 
have met a similar fate ; and their misfortune never 
so much as heard of. Whole villages on the 
borders have been attacked, captured and pillaged ; 
their inhabitants murdered in cold blood, or earned 
off into a captivity that was worse even than the knife 
of the savage. Who can count the lonely victims who 
have been waylaid on their toilsome journey, by a 



237 



party of howling savages, and being surrounded, be- 
fore they were aware almost of the presence of an 
enemy, set upon arid brained in the most cruel man- 
ner, and their bodies left weltering in their ow r n gore, 
a repast for wolves and coyotes — horrible reflection ; 
to think of the numbers who have suffered this fate, 
and died unknelled, uncoffined, and unknown ; while 
their murderers w r ere these same gentle red children, 
of whose interests the government has exercised such 
a watchful care, guarding them against the rigors of 
winter by a plentiful supply of food and blankets, and 
during the spring furnishing them with powder and 
the most improved fire-arms, that they might thereby 
be enabled to steal forth from their reservation, prey 
on helpless travelers, and returning covered with the 
blood of their white brothers ; praise their Great 
Father at Washington, and thank him, through their 
agent, for the many inestimable gifts he has placed in 
their hands, by whose judicious use they have gratified 
their dominant passions, and turned many a happy 
home into a chamber of mourning. 

Out upon such a policy ! War, to the bitter end, is 
the only " policy " that should be for a moment enter- 
tained, in dealing with these fiends ; and when they 
are at last exterminated off the face of the earth, it 
may, perhaps, be safe for a man to undertake to travel 
through his own land. My readers may think I speak 
with undue heat on this subject, but the memory of 
my sufferings and trials, during the time that I re* 



238 



mained among the Apaches, make it almost impera- 
tive that I should speak freely and without reserve. 

Those who are at home, and surrounded by the 
protecting influence of a father's or husband's care, 
cannot fully appreciate the perils and degradation con- 
sequent upon a life of bondage, and I sincerely trust 
that it may never be their misfortune to undergo 
similar experiences. 

I must apologize for this lengthy digression, and 
will hereafter endeavor to keep more closely to the 
thread of my narrative. 

As before stated, the Indians always made the most 
extensive preparations for the feast of the green corn ; 
and it was looked forward to with the most eager 
anticipations. 

Several weeks before the corn had fairly ripened, 
the head chief and medicine men met in conclave, and 
decided on what measures were to be pursued during 
the festivities. In most instances, a few of the older 
women of the tribe were selected, and appointed to 
watch the patches of corn attentively. Every morn- 
ing they were required to pick a few ears of corn, and 
without dividing the husk, bring it to the medicine 
chief, Eeh-tohk-pak-shee-pee-shah (the black moccasin), 
who would examine it, and if it was not deemed suffi- 
ciently ripe, they would be dismissed with an injunc- 
tion to appear again on the following morning, with 
another handful of freshly gathered corn. This per- 
formance was continued until the samples examined 



239 



were considered to have arrived at a stage of sufficient 
ripeness, when the fact was announced By criers, who 
went through the village proclaiming the joyful intel- 
ligence. 

For several days previous to the announcement of 
this gratifying news, the Indians, had subjected them- 
selves to a thorough purgation, using for this purpose a 
decoction of various bitter roots and herbs, which they 
termed asceola (the black drink). This course of 
treatment enabled them to attack the corn with 
ravenous appetites, and to gorge themselves until 
they could scarcely move. 

On the appointed day the tribe are all assembled, 
and in the center of the lodge a kettle is hung over a 
fire, and filled with the coveted grain. This is well 
boiled, and offered to the Great Spirit as a sacrifice. 
This is an imperative ceremony, and must be per- 
formed before any one can indulge the cravings of his 
appetite. During the time that the cauldron is boil- 
ing, four chiefs and mystery men dance around the 
steaming kettle. They are painted with white clay, 
and in one hand they hold a stalk of the corn, while 
with the other they grasp the rattle. As they move 
around the fire, they chant a wierd song of thanks- 
giving, taking particular pains to remind the Great 
Spirit that they are doing all this in his honor, and 
restraining their appetites that he may be pleased, 
and propitiated, to the extent of furnishing them with 
a bountiful supply during the ensuing season. 



240 



Whilst the medicine men are performing in this 
manner, a number of others form in a circle, outside 
of the inner one, and with stalks of corn in each hand, 
go through a somewhat similar ceremony. Wooden 
bowls are placed on the ground immediately under a 
tripod, formed by joining together three poles, of 
about twelve feet in length, which are also ornamented 
with ears of corn. In each of the bowls is placed a 
spoon, made of the horn of the buffalo, or mountain 
sheep, in which the feast is to be served. The dance 
is continued until the chiefs decide the corn is sufficient- 
ly boiled ; when, at a given signal, the dance is stopped 
for a few minutes, and again resumed, this time to a 
different tune. Then the master of ceremonies re- 
moves the smoking vegetable and places it upon 
a small scaffold of sticks, which they erect over 
the fire. 

Having done this, the first fire is removed, and the 
ashes are gathered and buried. A new fire is then 
made in the place occupied by the old one. The new 
one is started by a very painful process. 

Three men seat themselves on the ground, facing 
each other, and procuring a hard block of wood, com- 
mence drilling violently with a stick, by rolling it 
between the palms of the hand. Each one catches it 
in turn from the other, without allowing the motion 
to stop, until smoke, and at last, a spark of fire is 
seen, and caught in a piece of punk, whereat there is 
great rejoicing among the bystanders. When this fire 



241 

is kindled, the kettle is again placed over the fire, and 
refilled with the vegetable. 

Kow the feast begins, an onslaught is made on the 
contents of the pot, and the Indians rush off in all 
directions to devour the corn. Soon fires are blazing 
in every lodge, and all are indulging in the grossest 
gluttony. This feast lasts until the corn is exhausted, 
or becomes too hard to eat with any degree of comfort. 
When an Indian has gorged himself to the fullest 
capacity, he has recourse to his asceola, and is soon 
in a condition to recommence with as much vigor as at 
first. 

These scenes filled me with disgnst, and I often 
thought how happy those brutes would be if they were 
only endowed with the wonderful attributes of that 
little sea monster, the polyp, who, when his body is 
cut in half, suffers no inconvenience, but gormandizes 
as much as ever, with this advantage, that the food, 
instead of remaining in his stomach, passes out at the 
other end ; thus allowing him to indulge in the 
pleasure of gluttony, without the inconvenience of 
being gorged. 

16 



CHAPTEK XXY1. 



DANGER AHEAD. 




E started again at early dawn, and commenced 
the passage of tlie defile through, the mountain, 



c^Q^ The pass was tortuous and rugged, but as we 
°q?^ rode in single file we experienced but little diffi- 
culty, and after about three hours of alternate ascents 
and descents, w-e gained its outlet and debouched upon 
the plain beyond. Is was a timber prairie, studded 
with mottes of tall cottonwoods, and bisected near its 
center by a small stream. A heavy belt of timber 
fringed the northern horizon, and towards this we di- 
rected our course. 

As we were now liable to come in contact with hos- 
tile parties of other tribes, Stonhawon exercised great 
caution. Nearly a hundred runners or spies were 
sent in advance, while the main body advanced slowly ; 
the chief receiving frequent reports from the scouts. 

About ten o'clock we halted on the banks of the 
arroyo, and while watering our animals, one of the 
scouts returned and made some communication to our 
leader. In a few moments it became known to the 
entire band that a large war party of Arrapahoes had 



243 



been discovered ahead. Beyond the belt of timber 
was a large grass prairie, a favorite haunt of the buf- 
falo, and upon this the Arrapahoes had halted to hunt, 
and after getting a good supply of meat, were en- 
gaged in converting it into tasajo, preparatory to an 
extended raid upon the tribes to the southward. 

It is probable that we, ourselves, were intended to 
receive their polite attentions, but if this had been 
their object it was frustrated by the fact that we were 
out upon the same errand as regarded themselves. 

At the eastern extremity of the prairie, a mountain 
rose from the plain ; it was an isolated peak of small 
altitude, its height being but a few hundred feet, and 
in shape almost a perfect " sugar loaf." The belt of 
timber which formed the southern boundary of the 
prairie, extended to the mountain, and fringed its 
base. Near the foot of the mountain the Arrapahoes 
were in bivouac, their horses grazing upon the plain. 
Long rows of stakes and lines were erected, and upon 
these the buffalo meat was hung in strips, and was 
fast blackening in the hot sun. Evidently a few more 
hours would complete the process of its conversion 
into tasajo. A number of tires were kindled near the 
base of the mountain, and around these were grouped 
the Arrapahoe warriors, engaged in the usual Indian 
pastime of eating. A more favorable opportunity 
for attack could not be wished, provided we could 
approach near enough to take them by surprise; but 
to effect that, promised to be difficult, as we would 



244 



certainly be seen the instant we passed the timber ; 
and in that case, surprise would, of course, be out of 
the question. 

Our leaders, Stonhawon and Hissodecha, stood 
apart, apparently holding a sort of " council of war." 
Their conference, however, was quickly ended ; the 
renegade made some proposition to which Stonawon 
seemed to assent, for he signed us to mount, and we 
instantly resumed our march. In a few minutes I 
was able to fathom their design from the course 
taken. Skirting the belt of timber, and screened 
by it from the views of the Arrapahoes, we directed 
our course towards the lone peak. The timber belt 
was perhaps two hundred yards in width, and filled 
with a dense undergrowth. In its shadow the spies 
crept along its northern margin, moving parallel 
to our' course, and keeping a close watch upon the 
enemy. The renegade's plan seemed to be to ap- 
proach them as closely as possible under cover of the 
forest, and then make a sudden dash, taking them by 
surprise, and effecting their utter rout. As events 
showed, I had judged correctly of the intentions of 
our leaders, or at least partially so; but there was 
one detail of the plan, which I had not thought of, 
which was presently put in execution. After riding 
slowly for about two hours we reached the point, 
trended off to the north, and encircled the mountain. 
Here Stonhawon halted the main body, but the band 
of Hissodecha, which numbered about sixty warriors, 



245 



was reinforced by about the same number detailed 
from the chiefs party and sent round the mountain 
to attack the enemy in the rear. I was about running 
off with this party, when Stonhawon beckoned to me, 
and on my riding up to him, directed me to remain 
with him. I was quite surprised at this, and looked 
towards Hissodecha, expecting that he would urge 
that I be permitted to accompany him ; but to my 
still greater surprise, he did not seem to notice me at 
all, and with his band soon disappeared behind a spur 
of the mountain. I had little opportunity, however, 
to reflect upon this circumstance, for our party was 
quickly put in motion, and passing through the wood, 
were soon ranged along its outer margin, sheltered 
from view bv the thicket, and awaiting the signal to 
charge upon the foe. 

We were barely two hundred yards from their posi- 
tion, and could plainly distinguish the varied hues 
and designs of the war paint upon their persons. 
Their number was about equal to our own, and with 
the advantage of a surprise, it seemed probable that 
we might utterly destroy them. 

Like hounds held in the leash, we awaited the sig- 
nal — at last it came — the shrill notes of the war 
whistle pierced the air, and it was instantly followed 
by the wild intonation of the Camanche war whoop, 
as we burst forth from the timber and charged with 
headlong fury upon the foe. For a moment I thought 
that the surprise would be complete, for our sudden 



246 



appearance seemed likely to completely demoralize 
the enemy. 

But the Arrapahoes, although greatly surprised and 
alarmed at our sudden onslaught, showed no signs of 
panic, indeed, it is next to impossible to really sur- 
prise an Indian. A few of those that were nearest to 
us were ridden down, transfixed with lances, or brain- 
ed by blows from our war clubs and battle axes ; but 
the larger number, hastily plucking up their lances 
and seizing their other weapons, rushed for their 
horses, and before we could reach them were mounted 
and forming to receive us. Biding at a headlong 
pace, a few seconds brought us upon them, and we 
closed at full speed. A confused and deadly melee 
followed, the combat being mainly hand to hand. 
Blows and lance thrusts were exchanged, arrows 
whistled through the air, ghastly wounds were given 
and received ; the air resounded with the groans of 
wounded and dying men, and the wild war cries of 
the contending warriors. Exactly what I did I hardly 
know, so great was the excitement and confusion. I 
know that I gave and received blows, and mechani- 
cally defended myself from the attacks made upon 
me ; but the incidents of that brief yet terrible 
struggle seem like a dream to me now. 

The impetus of our first charge had carried us en- 
tirely through the enemies line. TTe then wheeled 
and charged them anew; and this manoeuvre was 
repeated many times. 



247 



Our adversaries seemed to be getting decidedly the 
worse of the conflict, and we could see unmistakable 
signs of an inclination on their part to take refuge in 
flight, when something seemed to suddenly change 
their determination, and they again assaulted us with 
renewed fury. We were not long in discovering the 
cause ; during the fight we had many times changed 
positions with our adversaries, and we were now facing 
towards the mountain. Attracted by a noise in our 
rear, we glanced in that direction, to behold a sight 
that filled us with dismay. 

Approaching us at full speed was a party of fully 
one hundred Arrapalioes, evidently a detachment from 
the band we were fighting. Coming from the north, 
they had got within a quarter of a mile of us before 
we had discovered them, the tumult and confusion 
of the conflict preventing us from perceiving them 
sooner. 

As Ilissodecha and his party, from some unaccount- 
able delay, had not arrived upon the ground, our 
position was a perilous one. In a moment, the new 
enemies would be upon us, and without doubt we 
would be overwhelmed. Instant action on our part 
was imperitive, and our leader, with ready perception 
of that fact, gave the signal to close in together and 
charge upon our immediate opponents. 

With a wild yell we rushed upon them, breaking 
through their line, and retreating rapidly towards the 
base of the mountain. Here a number of large rocks 



248 



had fallen upon the plain from the cliffs above, and 
laid in such positions as to form a sort of natural 
breastwork. Indeed, the masses of rock, from their 
peculiar formation and grouping, had a striking re- 
semblance to the ruins of some vast building. 

Behind these rocky bulwarks, we sheltered our- 
selves, and prepared to receive the attack which we 
felt sure the Arrapahoes, strengthened by their oppor- 
tune reinforcement, would certainly make upon us. 
Indeed, we could see that they were preparing to do 
so, and I, having by this time had quite enough of 
fighting, was awaiting the assault with dread, when I 
was suddenly called by Stonhawon. Hastening to 
his side, as he sat on his horse, he directed me to 
accompany one of the young braves who was stand- 
ing by him, and had apparently received his instruc- 
tions. These the chief repeated for my benefit. AVe 
were to ascend the mountain, with all possible speed, 
and send up from its summit a "signal smoke," to 
hasten the arrival of Hissodecha and his party, still 
unaccountably delayed. 

Leaving our horses and most of our weapons with 
the party, we set off at once ; the wild yells of the 
Arrapahoes, as they advanced to the attack, ringing 
in our ears, and being echoed by the defiant war-cry 
of the Camanches, as the latter prepared to receive 
the onslaught 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



THE ESCAPE. 

URNIXG in the direction of the monntain, we 
put our horses into a hard run, and in a few 
moments were tearing our way through the 
mezquite bushes that fringed its base. The 
undergrowth became denser as we advanced, and it 
was found advisable to abandon the ponies and forge 
ahead on foot. The safety of our party depended in 
a great measure on the celerity of our movements. 
Hastily dismounting, and tying the cattle to some 
sturdy sage bushes, we continued our ascent, and it 
was not many minutes before we had reached a por- 
tion of the mountain that shelved out over the ravine, 
thus forming an admirable position for the signal 
operations. My companion briefly explained the 
method of smoke signals, which were made by gather- 
ing a quantity of very dry underbrush for the fire, and 
green twigs, boughs of pine, balsam, and hemlock, 
being placed upon the blazing wood, covers the 
flame and throws off a dense smoke that may be seen 
at great distances. After ascertaining his views, and 





250 



receiving mv ins true dons, I plunged into the wood 
and busied myself collecting materials for our tele- 
graph operations. It was not long before we had a 
sufficient quantity of material gathered, and placing 
the dry wood in such a manner that it might be 
easily ignited, my companion produced his tinder 
apparatus, and was soon, at work drilling the block of 
hard wood, and frantically endeavoring to coax a 
spark that might set the pile in a blaze. 

As few, if any, of my readers understand the 
method by which Indians light their fires, I will 
hastily describe it. The Indian is unfamiliar with 
the use of matches ; even the more primitive flint and 
steel is a sealed book to him ; hence he resorts to a 
very simple but laborious contrivance. Each Indian 
supplies himself with two dried stalks of the Mexican 
soap plant, about three-fourths of an inch in diameter. 
One is made fiat on one side ; near the edge of the 
flat surface a small indentation is made to receive the 
point of the other stick, and a groove cut from this 
down the side. The other stick is made with a rounded 
end, and placed upright upon the first. Placing the 
stick with a flat surface between the feet, the point of 
the other is placed in the hole made to receive it, and 
turning it between the palms with a backward and 
forward motion, and pressing the point forcibly into 
the lower stick, a fine powder is made, which runs 
through the groove and falls on the ground. By con- 
stant and rapid motion the wood begins to smoke, 



251 



and at length the fine particles take fire ; the spark is 
soon nursed into a flame, and the brushwood ignited. 

In this manner our fire was lighted, and heaping tip 
the pine and hemlock boughs, the surrounding atmos- 
phere was one dense cloud of smoke. Stealing to the 
very edge of the cliff, I peered over and anxiously 
scanned the plain below. I could see Stonhawon's 
band fighting desperately with their foes, who, by 
their superior numbers, were overpowering the Ca- 
manches. Immediately behind the belt of timber, 
and to the left of the contending factions, was the 
party comprising the band under the leadership of 
Hissodecha. They were moving cautiously around 
the timber, and had not as yet observed the signal. 
Once more the signal was worked, this time sending 
up a denser cloud than before. It was observed by 
the ambushed party ; they drew rein, and after a hasty 
consultation, turned and retraced their steps. The 
movement was not executed any too soon, as the main 
party were retreating before the successful assault of 
the enemy, and endeavoring to gain the friendly cover 
of the wood. Hissodecha pressed rapidly forward, 
and emerging on the plain, swooped down upon the 
flank of the victorious Arrapahoes. This sudden 
movement entirely changed the aspect of affairs. The 
Arrapahoes fell back precipitately in the direction of 
the ravine, hoping by this means to gain shelter, and 
if the worst came to the worst, disband and scatter 
over the mountain. 



252 



It was a thrilling scene, and I almost wished I was 
one among them. 

Our mission was accomplished, and my companion 

intimated that we should descend the mountain and 

join the war-party. As we descended, the Camanche 

preceded me, pushing his way through the bushes with 

a rapidity only acquired by long practice. 

Suddenly the thought flashed across inv mind that 
I/O %i 

now, if ever, was my golden opportunity. What 
would there be to prevent my braining the Indian in 
his tracks and then escape ? It was a savage and 
brutal alternative, to be sure ; but it was my only 
chance, and I might wait years in vain before another 
opportunity would present itself. As I revolved the 
scheme in my mind, my hand went instinctively to 
my belt and grasped the tomahawk. I trembled with 
excitement, and as if to keep pace with my thoughts, 
my steps quickened, and a few strides brought me close 
upon my victim. 3kly quick and labored breathing must 
have attracted his attention, as, suddenly wheeling, he 
confronted me, and evidently read the murderous 
intention in my eye, he sprang lightly to one side, 
and unsheathing his knife, stood as if expecting an 
attack. Simultaneously with this action, I drew my 
tomahawk and rushed upon him, aiming a blow at his 
head. He adroitly parried it with his arm, but in so 
doing received a severe wound in the shoulder. Dart- 
ins; at me, he clutched mv arm, and twining his limbs 
about my person, made a desperate endeavor to bring 



253 



me to the ground. The tomahawk was of no use 
now ; I allowed it to fall from my grasp, and with the 
disengaged hand clutched my knife. 

My antagonist's superior strength began to tell. I 
felt powerless, and his eyes gleamed with fiendish 
triumph. He raised the shining blade preparatory to 
sheathing it in my body, when I suddenly felt the 
ground giving way beneath my feet, and in less time 
than it takes to relate it, we were rolling over a preci- 
pice with a sheer fall of about ten feet. The savage 
clung to me with a death-like grip, and encircling my 
neck with his arm, grasped my throat with his teeth. 
Those were fearful moments. I struggled to disen- 
gage my hand from his vice-like grip. The blood 
gurgled from my mouth, my tongue protruded, and I 
was gasping for breath in the last throes of strangula- 
tion, when we came to the ground with a terrific 
shock. 

The savage gave one yell that curdled my blood, 
and instantly relaxed his hold, falling limp and life- 
less by my side. I was not many minutes in disen- 
gaging myself from my antagonist, and in doing so I 
was made aware of the cause of the sudden turn of 
events that had saved me from a horrible death. It 
would appear, that during the struggle and fall, the 
hand that grasped my knife was encircled around the 
body of my foe, and when we struck the ground, my 
body being uppermost, the knife had been driven to 
the hilt into his back by the force of the concussion. 



254 



Everything now depended on the celerity of my 
movements. The remainder of the party would no 
doubt wonder at our long absence, and despatch run- 
ners to seek the missing " signal " makers. It would 
require but a glance at the prostrate form of their 
comrade to enable them to realize the true state of af- 
fairs, and to make instant preparation to follow, over- 
take the fugitive, and mete out to him the reward of 
his perfidy. Hastily possessing myself of what few 
arms I needed, and taking the bag of parched corn 
that was suspended from the girdle of the fallen sav- 
age, I made my way to where the ponies were cached, 
and springing on my animal, urged him forward at 
the top of his speed, leading the Indian's pony by the 
lariat attached to his bridle. 

My plan was to strike out over the prairie in a 
southerly direction, and by traveling without cessation, 
endeavor to put a wide gap between pursuer and pur- 
sued, and thus be enabled to reach in safety some of 
the Mexican frontier towns. I was certain that this 
plan was feasible, from the conversation I had heard 
from time to time among the warriors of our band. 
Indeed, it was proposed by Hissodecha, to raid on 
some one of \h& pueblas, if they were unsuccessful in 
their attack on the Arrapahoes, as by this means they 
would avoid the ignominy of returning to the lodges 
of their people, without being able to display the 
fruits of a successful foray ; such as scalps, horses, cap- 
tives, etc. 



\ 



255 

By riding my pony until he dropped from exhaus- 
tion and then availing rayself of the fresh lead horse, 
I could travel an immense distance without drawing 
rein. It was growing dark when I started, and I had 
not traveled far before the night closed in, and I had to 
trust to the instinct of my horse to carry me safely 
over the prairie. My course was shaped by a certain 
star that would keep me on the right trail if I held it 
steadily in view. About midnight I halted at a small 
stream to water the horses, and hastily prepare for my- 
self a small portion of the parched corn, which was 
done by mixing a handful in a gourd filled with 
water. This corn is invaluable to those who wish to 
traverse long distances, without being hampered with 
unnecessary luggage. With a sack or gourd of this 
article, containing about an half bushel, one can travel 
fifteen or twenty days without other sustenance. 

. On we sped, the animals straining every muscle and 
nerve, their flanks heaving and flecked with foam. 
]STo sound broke upon the stillness of the night, save 
the rapid hoof -strokes of the mustangs, and occasion- 
ally the yelp of a coyote that was startled in his mid- 
night prowlings by our sudden and rapid advance. 
Directly in my course loomed up a huge mound, and 
farther on the dark forms of a range of low hills 
were outlined upon the horizon. I concluded to push 
on and gain their shelter. Once within their protect- 
ing shadow, I could pursue my course more leisurely, 
and without the fear of immediate, detection. My 



256 

grand anxiety was to hide or blind the trail, and by 
this means baffle the sleuth hounds, who were by this 
time in full pursuit. 

I had not proceeded far when the pony came to a 
sudden halt, which almost unseated me. I tried to 
urge him forward by word and action, but it was of no 
avail; he refused to move, and stood trembling like 
an aspen. Leaning f onvard and peering over his neck, 
I discovered, to my dismay, a wide chasm, which folly 
explained why the mustang had refused to be urged 
forward. The banks on either sidie were quite level, 
and no indentations or ruggedness marked the line of 
separation. One could ride up to its very brink with- 
out being aware of a break in the prairie level. I had 
thus come upon one of those barancas, the result of 
volcanic action, that are so frequently met with in this 
country. There was no alternative but to ride along 
its edge until I came to a point where its sides were 
depressed to the level of the plain. This, of course, 
involved a long detour, and a consequent loss of 
valuable time. My only consolation was in the reflec- 
tion that my enemies, in following the trail, would be 
compelled to resort to the same tactics. 

I had journeyed down its banks about three miles, 
before I found an opportunity to cross. As I reached 
the opposite side, I turned and looked back. Away 
to my right, and in the direction from whence I came, 
I discerned a number of dark specks on the horizon, 
which filled me with the direst apprehensions. These 



257 



dark objects were, doubtless, the forms of my pursuers, 
who had, it would seem, traveled with a celerity almost 
equaling my own. The chase now^ assumed a desperate 
aspect ; before me lay life, hope, and freedom ; behind 
was a nemesis that represented captivity, torture, and 
death. I plied the whip vigorously to the flank of my 
jaded steed, in the frantic endeavor to reach the cover 
of the mountain. I had not proceeded far on my 
course, when my pony showed unmistakable signs of 
giving out. Indeed, I had not made more than a mile 
on my course, when the animal stopped abruptly. I 
could feel him tremble under my weight ; and. drop- 
ping on his knees, I had scarcely time to leap to the 
ground before he fell, and drawing a deep sigh, he 
turned on his side and died, being absolutely ridden 
to death. I had no time to waste in mourning the 
brave little animal that had* carried me thus far so 
faithfully. My robe was quickly transf erred to the 
other horse, and the flight resumed. Reaching the 
base of the hills, I was so fortunate as to find water; 
and throwing myself at the foot of a tall cottonwood, 
with the lariat of the mustang attached to my wrist, I 
determined to snatch an hour's rest, of which both my 
mustang and myself were very much in need, after 
our long and arduous ride. 

I was awakened by a violent pulling at my wrist, 
caused by the horse, in trying to reach' fresh grass. 
In a few moments I was up, mounted, and away once 

more in the direction of the Mexican towns. Towards 

It 



258 



evening I came to a river of some magnitude. It was 
now the dry season, and the stream was only a rivulet 
compared to what I judged it must be, when swollen 
by the rains and melting snows from adjacent moun- 
tains. 

I had, during the latter part of my journey, been 
casting about in my mind a series of plans, which 
would enable me to blind my trail, when lo ! here was 
an opportunity that surpassed my most sanguine ex- 
pectations. To urge my horse into the stream was 
the work of a moment, and then turning his head with 
the current, I continued the journey. At times the 
water would brush the animal's flanks ; again, it would 
suddenly shallow, and scarcely cover his fetlocks; 
occasionally I would strike a deep hole, and be obliged 
to swim the animal some rods, before reaching terra 
firma. 

These irregularities in the river-bed were due to its 
quicksand formation, which was constantly shifting, 
shallowing here, deepening there, and it would have 
been sure destruction to horse and rider, if we stopped 
for a moment in our tracks. 

After journeying in this manner for about a mile, I 
entered a canon, whose walls ascended to a height of 
thousands of feet, perpendicularly. On emerging from 
this gloomy pass, a sight met my gaze that made me 
shout for joy. Gaining the bank of the stream, I saw 
extended before me, waving fields of grain, and in the 
background, the modest spire of a little church, which 



259 



was surmounted by a gilt cross, that fairly scintillated 
under the rays of the noon-day sun. 

I had arrived then, at last, within the confines of 
civilization, and my career as a savage, was about to 
be abruptly terminated. As I pushed forward, along 
the road that skirted the grain fields, and the familiar 
sounds of former days fell upon my ears — the tinkle 
of the cow bells, the busy hum, that filled the air like 
the whisper of early recollections, wafted down 
through the airy halls of time — made the scenes, trials 
and sufferings, appear but as a horrid dream, and I 
seemed to be just waking to reality. A glance at my 
1-attooed and painted form, however, soon brought me 
back to a realizing sense of my position, and set me 
to reflecting h r r I should explain my presence in this 
hostile guise, to any chance inhabitant whom I might 
meet. 

After much cogitation on the subject, I concluded 
it would be best to ride boldly into the village, and 
seeking the Alcaid, explain by situation in as good 
Spanish as my limited knowledge of the tongue, 
would permit. I had not gone far, when I was en- 
circled by a crowd of bewildered and frantic Mexi- 
cans, who were shouting, " Indios /" " Los Indios ! " 
at the top of their squeaky voices; while I made a 
running accompaniment to their remarks, by holding 
up my hands, with the palm outstretched towards 
them, and shouting in my turn, "Amigo ! " 

Reaching the plaza, I dismounted, entered the can- 



260 



Una and called for a basin of water. Stripping the 
plumage from my head, and relieving my body of its 
meritricious adornment, I plunged into the bath pre- 
pared for me, and came out, an entirely different look- 
ing individual. 

The news of my arrival had collected an eager and 
enthusiastic multitude, who filled the patio. I said 
enthusiastic, but all due allowance must be made for 
the natural and inherited indolence of the Mexican. 

On emerging from the inn, I was greeted with seve- 
ral shouts, and fifty people were asking me questions 
in one breath, all bent on having them answered in 
less than no time. I finally succeeded in relating my 
history, adventures and escape, and wound up with 
an appeal to their charity ; setting fr^th my utterly 
destitute condition, in the most glowing terms my 
execrable Spanish would permit. It was an animated 
scene ; the men in the checkered serape, or stripped 
blankets, conical sombreros, with broad brims, calzone- 
ros of velveteen, with rows of shining buttous, and a 
sash of gaudy color, encirling their waists. % The women 
were no less conspicuous ; draped in the graceful sebazo, 
the short vogna, and the finely embroidered chemisette. 

My appeal was not met with that spontaneous gener- . of 
osity that I could have wished ; in fact, they contributed 
nothing, and as a last resort, I was compelled to offer : ft 
my horse for sale ; which venture was more successful, ; 
and I soon disposed of him at a very fair price. I was U 
now enabled to buy the few articles of clothing that I 



261 



was most in need of, and after lingering a few hours 
in the village, I concluded to push on towards Santa 
Fe, in the hope of falling in with some party of trad- 
ers, or miners, and then trust to the chapter of acci- 
dents for the rest. 

Fortune favored me in my designs, as I soon had 
an opportunity to join a party of Mexicans, who were 
en route for the Capital of New Mexico, on trading 
schemes intent. I accompanied them in the capacity 
of muleteer. 

Arriving in Santa Fe, I immediately repaired to 
the largest inn, being attracted thither by a number 
of uncouth characters, in hunting shirts, and slouch 
hats. I entered unobtrusively, and took a quiet sur- 
vey of the scene. The room was the cantina, and all 
were indulging in potations, more or less deep, of El 
Paso whiskey. The atmosphere was redolent of the 
fumes of tobacco, and commingled with the shouts 
and coarse language of the men, was the shrill treble 
of the women, who darted here and there, through 
the throng, like sunbeams. 

I was attracted by one rude specimen, who seemed 
bent on getting up a fight. This great rough fellow, 
of six feet and over, called a trim little pdhlana to 
him, with, " hyar, my little muchacha ! vamous, and 
git me some of that 'er Pass, good now, arid clar ! " 
Then, as the liquor was produced, he offered the waiter 
a quantity of money, which was unhesitatingly ac- 
cepted, with a " mucho bueno, senorP 



262 



" Hooraw for you ! come along, let's licker up all 
round, and have a dance ; you're the gal for my beaver ; 
bully for old Missouri ! " Suddenly, a pistol was 
discharged in a remote corner of the room, and there 
was an instantaneous rush in that quarter, succeeded 
by loud cries, oaths, blows, shooting, din, and confu- 
sion. 

Sick and weary of such scenes, I left the cantina, 
and sallying forth into ike plaza, wandered down the 
street, not knowing where to go, or what was to be- 
come of me. I cared less. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 



A NEW DEPARTURE. 

LAD to escape from such a scene of riot and vio 
lence, I walked rapidly along the narrow street, 
without any definite idea of where I was going. 
a I soon passed the low and squalid looking rows 
of adobe buildings, which compose the greater part 
of the famous " Cuidad de Santa Fe," and came out 
upon the open plain beyond. 

My attention was attracted by a small group of 
wagons parked upon the plain a short distance off, and 
I walked towards them, thinking perhaps, to fall in 
with some of my own countrymen, of a different class 
from the brutal roughs I had lately met. The wagons 
were but four in number, and the party to which they 
belonged comprised only twelve or fifteen persons. 
They were mostly Americans, and from their dress 
and manner I took them to be a party of miners. 
All were stout, hardy looking men, with an air that 
bespoke familiarity with hardships and adventure* 
They had just struck camp, and were evidently pre- 
paring for departure. One, who seemed to act as their 
leader, was directing operations, and apparently exer- 
cised a degree of authority unusual among men of 




264 



this class. He was a stout, broad-shouldered man, with 
a good natured expression of countenance, and from his 
voice and features, easily distinguishable as an English- 
man. The others addressed him as " Harding/' or 
" Xed." One or two giving him the familiar appel- 
lation of " Hard Pan," which seemed a sort of soubri- 
quet by which he was known. There was something in 
his appearance which inspired me with the belief that in 
him I might find a friend ; and impelled by this feel- 
ing I approached him, and addressed him as " Mr." 
Harding, explained that I was a stranger and desti- 
tute, in what was to me a strange land, and implored 
him to give me employment of some kind with his 
party, so that I might in time be enabled to return to 
my home in the distant East. 

^ Where do ye come from, lad?'' said he, looking 
at me with some interest, and noticino; the ineffaceable 
marks upon my face — my legacy from the Camanches, 
and which I am destined to carry to my grave. 

In as few words as possible I told him my story, inter- 
rupted by many exclamations of wonder and sympathy 
from my simple-minded listener. As I concluded he 
slapped me on the back, and declared that I should 
join his party, and should never want for a bite or sup 
while Xed Harding was to the fore. By this time the 
other men of the party had gathered around, and I was 
compelled to repeat my tale, which excited both pity 
and interest in the breasts of the kind-hearted miners, 
who declared that the a cussed Kimanch ought to be 



265 



wiped out." "Ave. every mothers son of them/' 
added Xed, " for playing such tricks upon travelers, 
the bloody-minded heathen." 

It was soon agreed upon that I should accompany 
the party, who were on their way to the old Spanish 
mine of San Ildefonso, formerly noted as one of the 
richest in the province of Isew Mexico, but for many 
years deserted by the Mexicans from terror of the 
savage Apache and Xavajo. The men composing the 
parry of which I had now become a member, were 
not to be deterred in their search for a golden harvest 
by any fears of such a nature, and had determined to 
visit the old mine and " prospect" in its vicinity, with 
the hope of finding a paying lead. They had with 
them all the necessary utensils for their purpose, were 
well-armed, and with an abundant stock of provisions, 
and seemed one and all to be confident of success in 
their enterprise. 

I will spare the reader unnecessary details, and 
merely state that we started within an hour on our 
journey, and after a wearisome and uninteresting trip 
of eighteen days, reached the scene of our future ope- 
rations, and which was destined to be my abiding 
place for nearly two years. A suitable spot was 
selected, convenient to both wood and water; a few 
rude huts were erected, and the town of " Harding " 
sprang into being. 

After getting fairly settled, and resting somewhat 
from the fatigue incident to our journey and our 



266 



labors in preparing our camp, we divided in parties of 
three and four, and went to " prospecting " in various 
directions for the precious metal, which was the object 
of our expedition. In this we were moderately suc- 
cessful, and we soon had our mining operations in full 
Mast. 1 always worked in company with "Xed," as 
I had learned to call him, and although he favored me 
to a degree, assigning to me all the lighter portions of 
the work, I soon found that it was the most, severe 
labor I had ever under undertaken, although I had 
been inured to toil and hardship of almost every kind 
during my long residence with the Camanches. 

The old mine was situated at the base of a precipi- 
tous cliff of quartz rock. A number of rude shafts 
pierced the mountain side. Some had penetrated to a 
considerable depth ; others more shallow, showing 
that the lead had proved unprofitable, and been 
speedily abandoned. 

On the banks of a little stream which wound around 
the base of the cliff, stood the old smelting houses 
and ruined ranches of the Mexican miners. Most of 
them were roofless and cmmblino: to decav. The 
ground about them was shaggy and choked up. There 
were briers, mezcal plants, and many varieties of 
cactus : all luxuriant, hirsute, and thorny. These we 
speedily cleared away, and selecting one of the largest 
of the old smelting houses, we soon put in order for 
work. Besides our i; quartz 5 ' mining in the old 
shafts and in new ones which we opened, we also 



207 



engaged in " gulch " and " surface " mining in the 
vicinity. 

As some account of the different modes employed 
to get at the precious metals, with which the rocks and 
soils of the far western states are so richly stored^ 
may not be uninteresting to the reader, I will briefly 
give it. 

Mining for gold alone is divided into two general 
classes : that which seeks the mental from the solid 
rock or quartz, and that which finds it in sand, gravel, 
or soil. The former process is the universal and 
familiar one of all rock mining, following the rich veins 
into the bowels of the earth with pick and powder, 
crushing the rock and separating the infinitesimal 
atoms of metal from the dusty, powdered mass. 

The theory of the geologists is, that this is the 
original form or deposit of the precious metals ; that 
the gold found in gravel, sand, or soil, lying as it does 
almost universally in the beds of rivers, or under the 
eaves of the mountains, has been washed or ground 
out of the hard hills by the action of the elements 
through long years. Washing with water is the uni- 
versal means of getting at these deposits of the gold. 
But the scale on which this work is done, and the in- 
strumentalities of application vary from the simple 
hand-pan, pick, and shovel of the original miner, 
operating along the banks of a little stream, to grand 
combination enterprises for changing the entire course 
of a river, running shafts down hundreds of feet to get 



268 



into the beds of long ago streams, and bringing water 
through ditches and flumes, and great pipes for ten or 
twenty miles, and withall to wash down a hillside of 
golden gravel, and extract its precious particles. The 
simple individual pan-washers are the first in the field, 
but it soon ceases to be profitable to this class of opera- 
tors, and they soon move on in search of richer 66 dig- 
gings." The other means are employed on greater or 
less scales' of magnitude, by combinations of men and 
capital. All the forms of gold-washing ran into each 
other, indeed ; and companies, sometimes consisting of 
only two or three persons, with capitals of a few hun- 
dred dollars merely, buy a sluice claim, or seize a 
deserted bed, and with shovel and pick, and a small 
stream of water, run the sands over and over through 
the sluiceways, and at the end of the day, or week, or 
month, gather up the deposits of gold in the bottoms 
and at the ends of their sluices. From this, operations 
ascend to a magnitude involving hundreds of thousands, 
and employing hundreds of men as partners or day 
laborers for the managers. Sometimes, too, the enter- 
prise is divided, and companies are organized that 
furnish the water alone, and sell it out to the miners 
or washers, according to their wants. 

The raising of auriferous sands and gravel from the 
deeply covered beds of old streams, by running down 
shafts and tunnels into and through such beds, is called 
" deep diggings," or " bed rock diggings ; " and in their 
pursuit, the bottoms of ancient rivers will be followed 



269 



through the country for mile after mile, and many feet 
below the present surface of the earth. The miners 
in this faskion go down until they reach the bed rock 
along which the water originally ran, and here they 
find the richest deposits. 

The other sort of heavy gold washing, employing 
powerful streams of water to tear down and wash out 
the soil of hillsides that cover or hold golden deposits, 
is known as " hydraulic mining." This is the most 
unique and extensive process, involving the largest 
capital and risk. The water is brought from mountain 
lakes and rivers, through ditches and flumes, some- 
times supported by trestle work, fifty or one hundred 
feet high, to near the scene of operations. Then it is 
let from the flumes into large and stout iron pipes, 
which grow gradually smaller and smaller. Out of 
these it is passed into hose, like that of a fire engine ; 
and through this it is discharged with terrific force 
into the bank or bed of earth, which is speedily torn 
down and washed with resistless separating power into 
narrow beds or sluices in the lower valleys ; and as it 
goes along these, the more solid gold particles deposit 
themselves in the rif s or slight barriers placed for that 
purpose across its path. 

Usually, in large operations of this kind, the main 
stream of water is divided in the final discharging 
hose into two or more streams, which spout out into 
the hillside as if from so many fire engines, but with 
immensely more force. One of these streams would 



270 



instantly kill man or animal that should get before it ; 
and fatal accidents frequently happen from this source. 
Sometimes a water company taps lakes fifteen or 
twenty miles off in the mountains, and turns whole 
rivers into its ditches. There are in some localities 
supposed rich gold banks and beds, which only require 
water for developement, but to get which would re- 
quire an outlay for ditches of many hundred thousand 
dollars. It is probable that it would be a richly paying 
investment, however, and the principal reason why it 
is not undertaken is the lack of certain laws, regulat- 
ing mining claims, and the conflicts and doubts that 
are occasioned by the neglect of the government to 
establish the terms of ownership in mining lands. As 
it is now, possession is the principal title to mining 
properties ; prospectors and miners have established a 
few general rules for determining the rights of each 
other, and they can occupy the properties that they 
discover or purchase to a certain limited extent. No 
one person is permitted to take up more than a cer- 
tain amount in feet or acres. The goverment so far 
lias done nothing with these mineral lands, whose real 
ownership is still in itself, and derives no revenue 
from them. 

Whenever difficulties arise and are brought before 
the courts, the regulations of the miners of the dis- 
trict where the properties are located has generally 
been sustained. But the apprehension that the gov- 
ernment will yet assume its rights and establish differ- 



271 

ent rales for the possession and use of these lands, 
and the uncertainty and controversies growing out of 
the present loose ways of making and holding claims, 
are a serious obstacle to large enterprises, and a hind- 
rance to the best sort of mining progress and prosper- 
ity throughout all the western mining country. The 
profits obtained in some cases of extensive deep dig- 
gings and hydraulic mining are very great. A thou- 
sand dollars a day is often washed out by a company 
holding rich soil and employing a large force ; and a 
run of several weeks, averaging from fifty to one hun- 
dred dollars a day for each man employed is frequent- 
ly recorded. A single " cleaning up " after a few 
weeks' washing in a rich place has produced fifty thou- 
sand dollars in gold dust and nuggets ; and in some 
cases, even one hundred thousand dollars has been re- 
ported. These are the extreme cases of good fortune, 
however ; other enterprises are run at a ]oss, or with 
varying result; but the gold washing, as a general 
thing pay good wages, and a fair return to the cap- 
ital invested- 

It is hardly possible to imagine, and wholly impos- 
sible to describe the ruin and wreck to be seen every- 
where in the path of the larger gold washing opera- 
tions. Streams naturally pure as crystal, become 
changed to a thick, yellow mud, from this cause, early 
in their passage out from the hills. Many of them 
are turned out of their original channels, either directly 
for mining purposes, or in consequence of the great 



272 



masses of soil and gravel that come down from tlie 
gold washings above. Thousands of acres of fine 
lands along their banks are ruined forever, by deposits 
of this character. The mining interest respects no 
rights but its own. A farmer may have his whole 
estate changed to a barren waste, by a flood of sand 
and gravel from some hydraulic mining up the stream. 
If a fine orchard or garden stands in the way of the 
working of a rich gulch or bank, orchard and garden 
are doomed. They are torn down, dug out, washed 
to pieces, and then washed over side hills. Where 
the process of hydraulic mining has been, or is being 
carried on, the country presents an appearance of dev- 
astation and ruin that is scarcely imaginable ; forming 
a frightful blot upon the face of nature. 4 

For this sort of mining on a large scale, we had no 
facilities, so we were compelled' to work in a very 
small way, and be satisfied with correspondingly small 
results. News of our successful establishment of the 
old mine, in some way reached Santa Fe, and, rushing 
to the conclusion that we had found a new Eldorado, 
all the floating population of that decaying city 
swooped down upon us, and we soon found quite a 
populous settlement growing up around us. 

A very decided change in our situation resulted from 
this, and some rather exciting events transpired, but 
these I will leave for another chapter. Soon after the 
accessions to our community had become so numerous, 
my friend and partner, Ned Harding, fell ill. This 



278 



put a sudden stop to our mining operations, and for 
several weeks I was compelled to remain by the side 
of his rude couch, attending to his wants, and doing 
all that I could to facilitate his recovery. 

Among the new arrivals at our " diggings " was a 
Mexican, who had followed the profession of a medico 
in former times, but who was now an inveterate gold 
hunter ; one of the sort who are perpetually on the 
move from place to place, seeking placers of fabulous 
richness, but never working any claim long enough to 
fairly develop it. Perhaps they have no sooner com- 
menced operations in one place, when a rumor comes 
of rich finds at some far distant point, and off they 
go, to repeat the same performance indefinitely. 

. "When Ned was first taken sick, I thought of this 
Mexican doctor, and at once went in search of him. 
With some difficulty I persuaded him to get out of the 
hole in which he was working, and go to see my 
friend. We had a few simple medicines among - our 
supplies, and from some of these the ex-doctor pre- 
pared a potion for Ned, which he declared would be 
" mucho hueno" and that the patient would be all 
right in " tres dias" at the most. The result, how- 
ever, failed to justify his expectations, for Ned be- 
came no better, although there was no marked change 
for the worse. It went on in this way for several 
weeks ; I continuing to give the medicines prescribed 
by the Mexican physician, but without any apparent 
result. 

18 



274 



Ned seemed to be in a kind of low fever, and to 
constantly lose strength. The stomach seemed to en- 
tirely refuse its office, and it was almost impossible to 
give him any food, however light, that he could keep 
down much longer than while eating it. He com- ' 
plained greatly of pain in the back and head, and a 
constant feeling of nausea at the stomach, or, as he ex- 
pressed it; u I tell ye, lad, theare's something thear as 
wants to come up and can't." Finally, seeing no signs 
of improvement from the treatment pursued by our 
Mexican friend,- and becoming greatly alarmed at 
JS"ed's condition, I was sitting one day, in great de- 
spondency, upon a stump in front of our hut, when it 
suddenly flashed upon my mind that I had never 
tried the Indian remedy, in the preparation and ad- 
ministration of which I had spent so great a part of 
my life. For some reason it had never occurred to me 
to use it, and indeed, I did not know whether it was 
possible to procure the necessary ingredients, in my 
present location, although I judged it probable that 
I might do so. At all events, I determined to make 
the attempt, and accordingly I went " prospecting 
for the required herbs, roots, etc., that very day. 
After two days spent in this way, I succeeded in pro- 
curing all the ingredients which I had so many times 
compounded under TVakometkla's direction, and lost 
no time in preparing the medicine. I then commenced 
giving it to my patient in small doses, at intervals of 
four or five hours, through the day, and was soon grati- 



275 



fled to find an almost immediate improvement in 
his condition. 

The second day after commencing this treatment, 
the fever left him ; he broke out into a profuse perspi- 
ration, and fell into a deep sleep, which lasted for 
many hours. W"hen he awoke he complained of feel- 
ing very hungry ; and when I prepared some food he 
ate quite heartily, and retained it on his stomach with- 
out difficulty. Encouraged by these favorable indi- 
cations, I continued the medicine, and with surprising 
results. His recovery was so rapid that it seemed almost 
miraculous. In eight days he declared himself en- 
tirely well, and almost overwhelmed me with expres- 
sions of gratitude, declaring that I had saved his life. 
I told him that his thanks were due not to me, but to 
TTakometkla, the strange old medicine-man of the 
Camanches, or, more properly, to that higher Power, 
which had enabled this uneducated savage to discover 
and prepare from the simple growths of the forest and 
mountain, so wonderful a remedy for " all the ills that 
flesh is heir to." ISTed was so universal a favorite 
among the miners, that his illness had excited great 
sympathy and commiseration. As he went about, 
trumpeting forth my praise as a medical practitioner, 
I soon found that I had gained considerable notoriety. 
The miners dubbed me " Doctor," and called for my 
services in all cases requiring medical assistance. With 
"Wakometkla's remedy alone as my entire pharmaco- 
poeia, I battled with many forms of disease incident 



276 



to our rough and exposed life, and met with almost 
unvarying success. In fact, in that region I expect 
I shall never be known by any other title than " Doc- 
tor/' although I do not claim or fancy such a designa- 
tion. It would be well for the people if the old 
school mineral physicians, who are rapidly ruining 
the health of the entire nation by the free use of dele- 
terious and poisonous drugs, would take a leaf from 
the book of nature, and re-study their profession in the 
same school from which I graduated — the school of 
nature. 



/ 



CHAPTEE XXIX. 




THE 

^ITH tlie influx of population to our settlement 
came adventurers of all classes ; desperadoes, 
gamblers, broken down professional men,. 
nymphs du pave of the coarse and vulgar 
sort, gentlemen who " bad interests " in " wild-cat " 
mines in half the counties of the Pacific States, greas- 
ers, or Mexicans, Indians (pueblos), — in short, a con- 
glomerate mass of humanity; or, judging by later 
events, one might rather say inhumanity, — such as is 
nowhere to be seen but in the mining towns of the far 
"West. Under the instructions of Ned Harding, we 
had on our first arrival "located" all the "claims" 
that there was any probability of our working, and 
we were therefore secured against interference on the 
part of the new comers, who went prospecting all over 
the adjacent country, locating claims by the hundred. 

As the process of "locating" claims maybe new 
to the reader, I will give a brief description of it. 

The first thing is to find your "lead," for this pre- 
cious metal is not found indiscriminately in every 
rock or ledge you may chance upon. It is found only 



278 



in the quartz rock, a ledge of which, say twenty feet 
in thickness, may run like a curbstone set on edge for 
many miles across hills and in valleys. It may be a 
mile in depth, and maintain a nearly uniform thick- 
ness, being perfectly distinct from the casing rock on 
each side of it, and keeping its distinctive character 
always, no matter how deep or how far into the earth 
it extends. Wherever it is bored into, gold and silver 
are found ; but none in the meaner rock surrounding 
it. This peculiar rock formation is called a " lead ; 55 
and one of these you must first find before you have 
anything to " locate " a claim upon. When your pros- 
pecting has resulted in the discovery of a "lead," 
you write out and put up a " notice " as follows : 

NOTICE. 

I (or we), the undersigned, claim one (or more, ac- 
cording to the number of the party) claim of three 
hundred feet, and one for discovery, on this silver — (or 
gold) bearing quartz lead, or lode, extending east and 
west from this notice, with all its dips, spurs, and 
angles, extensions and sinuosities, together with fifty 
feet of ground on each side for working the same. 

Then you file a copy of the same with the Mining 
Kecorder in the town, and your claim is " entered." In 
order to secure it, however, you must, within ten days, 
do a certain amount of work upon the property, or 
any one may re-enter it at the expiration of that time. 

Among the most important citizens in every mining 



279 



comnmnity are the assayers, of whom there are general- 
ly a swarm to be found about every new strike ; some 
of them the veriest charlatans that ever disgraced an 
honorable profession. 

"When you have located your claim, the next thing 
is to select some specimens and subject them to the 
test of the " fire assay.*' For this purpose it is custom- 
ary to select the richest lump you can find, and take it 
to the assay er. On the result of his assay, he will 
predicate that a ton of such ore would yield hundreds, 
perhaps thousands of dollars ; and in this way many a 
worthless mine has been sold for a large price. In 
fact, I think, as a rule, the speculators made far more 
than the miners themselves. 

We had at one time an assayer in our camp, who 
obtained such rich results from every specimen of rock 
brought to him, that he soon had a virtual monopoly 
of the business. ]S"o matter what specimen might be 
brought to him, he would demonstrate that it contained 
so large a portion of gold or silver, that the develop- 
ment of the mine could not fail to be profitable. Some 
of his rivals in the trade, becoming jealous of his 
superior success, conspired together and concocted a 
plan for his overthrow. One of them procured some- 
where an old lapstone, and breaking it into small 
fragments, selected one as the specimen to be subjected 
to the intended victim for testing. They let several 
of the principal miners into the secret, and as there 
had been some doubts of the reliability of the reports 



280 



of the assayer in question, they readily assented to 
assist in proving the truth of the matter. So one of 
them brought him the " specimen " and left it for assay. 
The result was encouraging in the extreme ; for in the 
course of an hour the assayer sent in his report, from 
which it appeared that a ton of rock equal to the sample, 
would yield $1,324.80 in silver, and $214.58 in gold. 
The whole matter was at once made public, and the 
discomfited charlatan immediately found that im- 
portant business called him elsewhere, and departed 
between two days. It was well for him that he did 
so ; for so great was the popular indignation, that it is 
probable he would have found a permanent residence 
in the vicinity, could the excited miners have laid 
hands on him at this time. 

The town of " Harding 55 had now developed into 
an embryo city. We had nearly two thousand in- 
habitants, representing every grade of civilization and 
barbarism, principally the latter. At night the place 
presented an animated spectacle ; for about every third 
shanty was either a drinking den or a gambling hell. 
All were brilliantly lighted and wide open to the street, 
from which you could see the excited groups around 
the gaming tables, or before the bars. Every man 
went aimed to the teeth. Fights and affrays were of 
almost daily — nay, hourly — occurrence. The crack of 
the pistol became a very familiar sound in my ears, and 
so frequent were the scenes of violence and niurder, 
that I began to think that the men I was among were 



281 



worse than the savages with whom my lot had been 
cast in former years. 

To such a pass did the insolence and brutality of 
these desperadoes come at last, that the better class of 
the miners be^an to talk among: themselves of the 
necessity for doing something to check it ; but none 
seemed disposed to take the lead, and things went on 
from bad to worse, until the arrival of a new actor 
upon the scene brought them to a climax, and disorder 
and violence culminated in a sudden and severe spasm 
of justice. 

The new arrival, who was destined to be the prin 
cipal figure in the tragic scenes about to be enacted, 
was a Kentuckian, named Reid. He was some twenty- 
eight or thirty years of age, of medium size and finely 
proportioned, but very athletic. He had a frank and 
engaging expression of countenance, and nothing in 
his appearance would seem to indicate the hardened 
ruffian ; yet he was reported to have slain thirty-two 
men in affrays or personal difficulties since he came 
into the mining country. From the very day of his 
arrival, this man became the acknowledged leader of 
all the lawless elements of our community ; and as he 
seemed to be thirsting for notoriety, outrage followed 
outrage in rapid succession. 

Among our own original party was a quiet, inoffen- 
sive German, named Schaeffer, than whom a more 
peaceable man could nowhere be found. Against him 
Eeid seemed to have a special spite from the moment 



282 



he first encountered him; and finally, meeting him 
one evening in the U E1 Dorado'' saloon, he forced a 
quarrel on him, and then shot poor Schaeffer dead, 
before the latter had time to make a movement in 
his own defense. He apparently supposed that this" 
would be passed over in the same manner as his pre- 
vious ill deeds ; but for once he was mistaken. In 
killing Schaeffer he had roused against him a deter- 
mined and bitter enemy, none other than iSed Hard- 
ing himself, who was now acting as mayor, or alcalde, 
of the town named in his honor. Xed quickly gath- 
ered together our own party, and some twenty-five of 
the leading men in the place, and announced his 
determination to form a " Vigilance Committee," and 
rid the town of the desperadoes who infested it. The 
entire party acquiesced in the wisdom of the proposal, 
and the committee was organized then and there. 
After some consultation, a plan of operations was 
agreed upon, and at once put in practice. 

The next morning a neatly written note appeared 
posted in several prominent places in the camp, warn- 
ing all objectionable characters to leave town within 
twenty-four hours, or their lives would be forfeited. 
This document was signed, " The Yigilants," and natu- 
rally created considerable stir and excitement among 
the parties at whom it was directed, and many of them 
took the warning and departed ; but some of the more 
desperate, in all about twenty in number, banded 
themselves together under the leadership of Keid, and 



283 

swore that they would never leave town, except of 
their own free will, and defied the Yigilants to touch 
any one of their number. 

At the expiration of the twenty-four hours, we de- 
termined to arrest all the members of Reid's party, 
and deal with them as they deserved. Accordingly, 
we mustered our forces, and at the same time made 
known our intentions to most of the more prominent 
men in the camp. When all our arrangements were 
completed, we proceeded in search of our game, and 
in a couple of hours had caught and caged every 
member of the gang, with two exceptions. One of 
these had in some way become aware of our inten- 
tions, and he found it convenient to seek another 
locality without delay. The other man was no less a 
person than Reid himself; and he went about boast- 
ing that no man dare arrest him, and threatening with 
instant death any man who should attempt it. This 
duty Is"ed Harding had reserved for himself, and when 
all was in readiness, he set out to accomplish it. As 
he was not known to be a " Vigilant," and was noted 
as a man of very quiet and peaceable character, no 
suspicion attached to him of being concerned in the 
matter. Arming himself, he went into the main 
street of the village, and entering one of the principal 
saloons, confronted the desperado. The latter must 
have seen in Ned's eye that he meant mischief, for he 
made a motion as if to draw a weapon ; but before he 
could do so, he was seized by the throat, and thrown 



284 



to the ground with the full force of Xed's muscular 
arm. Otlier " vigilante," to the number of about 
twenty, closed in around the fallen man and his cap- 
tor, with drawn revolvers, and guarded against any 
attempt at rescue. Reid was securely bound, lifted tc 
his feet, and placed in close confinement in one of the 
shanties belonging to our party, under the guard of 
two well-armed and determined men. 

Two hours later all the prisoners were brought up 
for execution. The miners turned out in large num- 
bers, and forming in solid column, armed to the teeth, 
they marched up the principal street and halted in 
front of the building where most of the prisoners were 
confined. The doomed men were quickly brought 
out, and informed of the fate in store for them, at the 
same time Xed Harding made his appearance, lead- 
ing Reid, and the same announcement was made to the 
latter. Such a scene as ensued, I hope never to see 
again. These apparently fearless desperadoes, who 
had repeatedly imbrued their hands in human blood 
without an instant's hesitation, were transformed on 
the moment, into a pack of whining cowards ; beg- 
ging and entreating in the most abject manner, that 
their lives might be spared. 

Reid, the ringleader of all, was the most utter 
craven of the whole number, and shrieks, curses and 
prayers for mercy rolled unceasingly from his lips, un- 
til the rope choked his utterance. Just outside the 
camp, stood a considerable grove of trees ; to this we- 



285 

repaired with our prisoners, and in ten minutes more 
they were run up, one after another, and each hung 
convulsed in the death agon}-, at the end of a 
lariat. 

To me, the utter cowardice displayed by these ruf- 
fians was surprising — but there is something about 
the desperado nature that is unaccountable — at least, 
it seems unaccountable, and it is this. The true des- 
perado is gifted with splendid courage, and yet he 
will take the most infamous advantage of his enemy ; 
armed and free, he will stand up before a host and 
fight until he is cut to pieces, and yet, when brought 
under the gallows, he will plead and cry like a child. 
The case of Reid, was especially notable, from his 
bloody reputation, and the many instances of courage 
he had shown in his conflicts with other outlaws. 
Yet, when brought face to face with death, in a differ- 
ent form, he seemed the veriest poltroon that ever 
walked. 

Words cost nothing, and it is easy to call him a 
coward (as all executed men, who fail to die " game " 
are invariably called by unreasoning people), and when 
a man like Reid, so exhausts himself by tears, pray- 
ers and lamentations, that he has scarcely strength 
enough to stand under the gallows, it seems hardly 
possible that he could be otherwise. Yet he had fre- 
quently defied and invited the vengeance of banded 
Rocky Mountain cut-throats, by shooting down their 
comrades or leaders, and never offering to hide or fly ; 



288 



he had shown himself to be a man of unquestioned 
bravery, for no coward would dare do such things. 

We often read of the most brutal and cowardly mur- 
derers, who, when on the gallows, make their last dying 
speeches without a tremor of the voice, and are swung 
off, into eternity, with what seems like the calmest 
fortitude. Hence, it seems clear, that in such low and 
degraded natures, it cannot be moral courage that sus- 
tains them. But if moral courage is not the requisite 
quality, what is it that such men as Eeid, lack ? 
Bloody, desperate, reckless, and yet kindly mannered 
and urbane gentlemen, who never hesitate to warn 
their enemies of their intention to kill them on sight, 
when next they meet. It seems to me a question 
worthy of study and solution. 

The executions over, we returned to the town, first 
detaching a party to remove and bury the bodies. 
Then the assemblage quietly dispersed, and that night 
our little community saw the first peace and quiet it 
had known for many a day. 

The condition of affairs in the new mining districts 
was peculiar. One reason why murder and outrage 
were so prevalent, was, that the rough element general- 
ly predominated, and among this class a person is not 
respected until he has "killed his man," as they 
express it. When any new arrival came into camp, 
no one thought of inquiring if he was honest or in- 
dustrious, but, had he killed his man ? If not, he was 
a person of small consequence, and unworthy of further 



287 



notice ; if lie had, the cordiality of his reception, and 
his standing in the community was graduated accord- 
ing to the number of his victories. 

No man could rise to any position of influence, with 
bloodless hands, without long and weary labor, but if 
he were known to have killed half a dozen men, his 
worth was at once appreciated, and he became a man 
of note in the community. 

Hence, it is not surprising that many men were 
killed without the pretext of provocation ; so impatient 
were these persons to achieve distinction and emerge 
from their obscurity, and become shining lights among 
the fraternity of desperadoes. "There goes the man 
that killed Jack Smith,'' was the sort of celebrity 
mostly coveted by this class of people ; and I know of 
several cases, where persons tried to " kill their men," 
for no other reason, and in some instances were suc- 
cessful, in others, got killed themselves for their 
pains. 

In such communities it is utterly impossible to con- 
vict a man of murder, arising from one of these public 
brawls or affrays, and it is only when patience ceases 
to be a virtue, and the long-suffering miners and others 
of the law-abiding classes, rise in their might, and by 
an indiscriminate execution of all persons of bad 
character, clear the atmosphere for a time, that such 
crimes are ever punished. 

The desperado stalked the streets with a swagger, 
graded according to the number of his homicides, and 



28S 



a nod of recognition from him, was sufficient to make 
an humble admirer happy for the rest of the day. 
■ The deference that was paid to a desperado of wide 
reputation and who kept his " private graveyard," as 
the phrase went, was marked and cheerfully accorded. 
"When he moved along the sidewalk in his excessively 
long-tailed frock coat, shiny stump-toed boots, and with 
dainty little slouch hat, tipped over his left eye, the 
small-fry roughs made room for his majesty ; when he 
entered the restaurant, the waiters deserted bankers 
and merchants, to overwhelm him with obsequious 
attention ; when he shouldered his way to the bar, the 
shouldered parties wheeled indignantly, recognized 
him, and — apologized. They got a look in reply, that 
made them tremble in their boots, and by this time, a 
gorgeous barkeeper was leaning over the counter, 
proud of a degree of acquaintance that enabled him to 
use such familiarity as " how are yer Jack, old feller ; 
glad to see you ; what'll you take ? the old thing ? " 
meaning his usual drink of course. 

The best known names in the mining towns, were 
those belonging to these blood-stained heroes of the 
revolver. Governors, politicians, capitalists, leaders 
of the legislature, and men who had made big strikes, 
enjoyed some degree of fame, but it seemed local and 
insignificant, when compared with the celebrity of 
such men as these. There was a long list of them. 
They were brave, reckless men, and carried their lives 
in their own hands. 



289 



To do them justice, they did their killing principally 
among themselves, and seldom molested peaceable 
citizens, for they considered it small credit to add to 
their trophies so small an affair as the life of a man 
who was not "on the shoot," as they termed it. They 
killed each other on slight provocation, and hoped and 
expected to be killed themselves, for they considered 
it almost disgraceful for a man not to die " with his 
boots on," as they expressed it. 

Gradually their ranks were thinned by the ever 
ready pistol, but it was not so much this, as the change 
in public sentiment, that caused them mainly to disap- 
pear from the older mining communities. l\ow, 
except in newly opened diggings, the genuine des- 
perado is a thing of the past. 

19 



CHAP TEE XXX. 

CONCLUSION. 




BOUT this time rumors were rife that the In- 
dians were contemplating a raid on the mine, 



and operations were temporarily suspended. 
^ Meetings were called, and a committee of de- 
fence organized, with a view to taking such measures 
as would place the settlement in a position to success- 
fully resist all, or any attempts of the savages. Those 
who had had any experience in Indian warfare were 
called 'to the council, and consulted on the best means 
to avert the impending calamity. The panic was more 
painfully apparent among those who had come upon 
the scene hampered with goods and chattels of various 
kinds. These worthies were brimful of wrath and 
whiskey, and gave free vent to the expression of their 
opinions regarding the outside world generally, and 
Indians in particular. They were fertile in sugges- 
tion ; and the many schemes they advanced for the 
total destruction of all who threatened their private 
interests would have reflected credit, not to say re- 
nown, on a Don Quixote. 

The thought of my enslaved wife was never absent 



291 



from my mind. Day and night, sleeping and waking, 
lier image haunted me. I fancied her suffering every 
degree of misery ; and the consciousness that I was 
powerless to snatch her from the toils of relentless 
captors, caused me the most poignant anguish. I had 
a vague, hah* formed notion of seeking her unaided, 
and by once more assuming my Indian trappings and 
cognomen, advance in to the Apache country, pene- 
trate to their villages, and by a bold dash, seize my 
wife and bear her defiantly off in the very teeth of 
my adversaries. This would have been very spirited 
and chivalrous, no doubt, but unfortunately, the ob- 
stacles that opposed themselves to this plan were 
legion. ]STo sooner did I convince myself of the im- 
practicability of such a mode of procedure, than other 
plans would present themselves, which, in their turn 
would have to be relinquished when submitted to the 
rigorous test of praticability. This constant strain on 
my mind interposed stumbling blocks to my material 
prosperity, as I had no heart for my work, and wan- 
dered about the diggings aimlessly. I was rallied by 
my comrades on my morose temper, and recommend- 
ed to try work as an effectual antidote for the causes 
that were preying on my health. 

One balmy afternoon, as I sauntered among the 
working parties, gazing abstractedly at their opera- 
tions, my attention was attracted to a group, who 
seemed to be very much excited by some event. A 
few had gathered about an object lying upon the 



292 



ground, while others were running frantically in dif- 
ferent directions as if they were possessed. My curi- 
osity being excited I approached the group, and found 
that the cause of this alarm was one of their comrades, 
who had been bitten by a snake. The poor fellow 
was moaning piteously ; and so sure was he that his 
death was only a matter of a few hours time^ that he 
had begun to make the few bequests that would dis- 
pose of all his worldly goods, including the little 
hoard of "dust," so long and patiently sought for. 
One of his friends knelt at his side, and was endea- 
voring to pour the contents of a flask of whiskey down 
his throat. The poison had taken immediate effect, 
and he doubtless would have been a corpse in a few 
hours. I was immediately recognized, and one of the 
miners accosted me with " Hullo ! Eastman, just the 
man we want ; now is your time to produce some of 
those marvelous herbs you have told us about, and see 
what you can do for this poor fellow." 

My sympathies were awakened ; my mind threw 
off its semi-stupor ; and hastily glancing about me on 
the ground, I sought for some of those simple herbs 
and plants, that I had seen so effectually used in 
similar cases. Hastily gathering what I needed, I 
soon had leaves bandaged about the swollen parts, 
and then turned my attention to making a decoction 
of the herbs. This I forced the patient to take, and 
after caring for him assiduously during a few hours, I 
had the satisfaction of noting a marked change for the 



293 



better. I was deluged with congratulations, and in a 
short time the fame of this new exploit in the healing 
art was noised abroad throughout the mine. 

}fy now friends were not miners, in the proper 
sense of the term, but a party of " mountain men." 
who had been allured hither by exaggerated reports 
of the immense wealth that was represented as scat- 
tered broadcast over the surface of the earth, and was 
only waiting for a claimant. Arriving on the ground 
they had staked out a claim, and fell to work without 
any delay. It is needless to add that they did not re- 
alize the immense riches they had so fondly anticipated. 
The result* was that they had sickened of their bar- 
gain, and many were for pulling up stakes and return- 
ing to the fre& and easy life among the mountains. 

A short time after the episode just related, there 
came to our camp one day, a trapper, who had but 
just returned from his traps, and was on his way to 
the nearest trading post, to exchange his peltries for 
powder, wearing apparel, etc. From him we learned 
that the Indians were preparing for some extensive 
raid, as he had seen numerous parties who were in 
their war paint. Among other items, he related how 
he had been captured by a band of Apaches, and had 
remained among them eight days before he succeeded 
in eluding the vigilance of his guard. From him I 
gained the first information concerning my wife. He 
had been captured by some of Mahtocheega's band, 
and by the description he gave of the white captives 



294 



at that time in tlie village, I felt sure that my wife 
was one of the number. Learning that on his return 
he would proceed to the same locality in quest of 
" beaver plew," I determined to accompany him. 
About half a dozen signified their intention of follow- 
ing my example, and a party was soon made up. The 
trapper bade us adieu, promising to return as soon as 
his skins were traded for the supplies of which he 
stood in need. Gathering together what little money 
I had, I purchased a horse, rifle and pistol, and pre- 
pared to go in search of my lost wife. 

"We had not long to wait for our new friend ; he 
returned in less than a week's time, and all being in 
readiness, we gathered up our traps, and took a final 
leave of the mine of San Ildefonso. • 

Passing out at the northern end of the settlement, 
we struck the Santa Fe road, and followed its sinuous 
windings for some days. "We passed through the 
sleepy Mexican towns, that were situated along the 
route, without disturbing in the least degree the 
habitual drowsiness of their inhabitants. On the 
fourth day we made a stretch of sixty miles through 
that terror of travelers in this section — the " jornado 
del muerto." After having crossed in safety, we rested 
one day to recuperate the animals, and soon after ar- 
rived in Santa Fe, halting at the inn that had been 
the scene of the shooting affray on my former visit. 
Our stay in the capital of New Mexico was not of 
long duration, and once more we resumed our journey, 



295 



striking out in a westerly direction towards the 
mountains. 

Our first encampment was on the banks of one of 
the tributaries of the Rio Colorado. Staking our 
horses out, as is the custom, we gathered around the 
camp fire, discussing our evening meal of fresh ante- 
lope steaks. Many were the stories told of trapper 
life, and as we filled our pipes for a smoke before 
retiring, the subject of -conversation was upon food. 
All had some anecdote to relate, and after each had spun 
his yam, Harding, who up to the present had been 
silent, drawled out, " Waij I 'spect as how yer have 
had some tol'rable bad jints in yer time, but I think I 
kin jest lay over anything in this yer party in the way 
o' supper. Howsumever, I will give yer a chance to 
hear how this nigger once got his supper up on the 
Yallerstone, last season. 

" Yer see, I had been in them parts arter beaver, 
which war plenty, an' no mistake ; an' one day, when 
I had gone to cache some skins, I left my rifle in the 
grass near my traps, like a gosh darned fool. TTho 
should come along but a party of them black niggers, 
the Crows ; and the first thing they sot eyes upon was 
my shootin' iron. In course, I seed it all, and jist 
had to lay low and cuss my tarnal stupidity, while 
them 'ere Crows hopped around like mad at finding 
my rifle and things. They was so pleased, 'peared 
like they forgot theirselves, and didn't foller up my 
trail, but galloped off, carryin' my plunder along with 



296 



them. He ! he ! they mount a did as well, and let ole 

Harding alone." 

"I reckon that, too," remarked one; " 'taint like 
they made much out of that spekalashun." 

" Yer see, I war cleaned out, an' left with jest a pair 
o 5 leggins, better than two hunderd miles from any- 
whur. The company's post war the nearest, so I jest 
took down the river in that direcshun. I never seed 
varmint so shy. They wouldn't a been, blast 'em, if 
I had er had my traps ; but there wa'n't a critter, from 
the minners to the buffler, that didn't take on as if 
they knowed how this nigger war fixed. I could get 
nothing for two days but lizard, an' scarce at that. I 
chawed up the old leggings, until I was as naked as 
Pike's Peak." 

" Golly ! was it winter ? " 

" No, 'twur calf time, and warm enuff for that 
matter. I didn't mind the want o' garments in that 
way, but I kud a eat more o' it. I soon struck a town 
of sand rats, and I made snares of my hair, and 
trapped some on 'em, but they grew shy, too, cuss 'em, 
and I had to give up that claim. This wur the third 
day, and I wur gettin' powerful weak. I 'gin to 
think this child's time had come, and I would have ter 
pass in my chips. 'Twur a little arter sun up, an' I 
wur sittin' on the bank, when I seed something 
cur'ous like floatin' down stream. When it kim 
closer, I seed it wur the karkidge of a buffler, and a 
couple of buzzarts floppin' about on the thing, pickin' 



297 



its peepers out. 'Twur far out, an' the water deep ; 
but I said I was goin' to fetch it ashore, an' I did. I 
took to the water an' swum out. I could smell the 
animal afore I wur half way. I wur soon close up, 
and seen at a glimpse that the calf wur as rotten as 
punk. The birds, they mizzled. I wa'n't agoin' to 
have my swim for nothin', so I tuk the tail atween 
my teeth, and wagged my flippers for the shore. I 
hadn't made three strokes when the tail pulled out. 
I then swum round and pushed that 'ere thing afore 
me, until I had got it high and dry on a sandbar. 
'Twur like to melt when I pulled it out o' the water. 
'Twa'n't eatable nohow. I see the buzzarts still flying 
about, and fresh ones comin', an' I took a idee that I 
might get some, so I laid down close to the bufflei^, 
and played possum. I wa'n't long there 'fore a big 
cock com a floppin' up, and lit on the karkiclge. I 
grabbed him Jbj the leg. The cussed thing wur nearly 
as stinkin' as the other; but it wur die dog, buzzart, 
or bufiler ; so I skinned the buzzart." 
" And ate it?" inquired one. 

"Xo-o," slowly drawled the trapper, "it ate me." 
A general laugh followed this remark. 

" The rest o' the birds got shy, and kept away on 
t'other side. 'Twa'n't no use tryin' that dodge over 
again. Jest then I 'spied a coyoat comin' lopin' down 
the bank, an' another follerin' upon his heels, an' two 
or three more on the same trail. I know'd it would 
be no joke grippin' one o' them by the leg, but I made 



29S 



up my mind to try it, an' I laid down jist as afore, 
'side the calf. 'Twur no go ! tliey smelt a rat, an' 
fcep 3 cPar. Then I tuk a fresh, idee in my head. I 
#ent for some o' the driftwood an' made a pen around 
the huffier ; an' in the wink o' my eye I had six o' the 
varmints in the traps." 

;i Then you had 'em. eh, old boy? " said one. 

" Yon bet ; I jest took a lot of stones, clomb up on 
the pen, an' killed the hull kit o' them. Such a 
jumpin' an' yowlin, as when I peppered them var- 
mints ; he ! he ! he ! ho ! ho ! Arter this I had some- 
'at to ©at ; an' in a few days reached the company's 
post." 

" Did you ever see any of those redskins again ? " I 
inquired. 

" Wal, you jest better believe I did. Yer see those 
five notches on this ere rifle 8 wal, they stand for 
Crows, they do." 

A general laugh followed this yarn, and all averred 
that his experience in the eating line was unequalled. 
After the trapper had finished his story, we wrapped 
ourselves in our blankets, and were with the excep- 
tion of the horse guard, soon in a deep slumber. 

The next morning we were up and moving at sun- 
rise ; and after a march of twenty miles, came 
to a small stream heading in the Piflon range. It was 
fringed with cottonwood trees, and there was grass in 
abundance for our horses. "We made a halt for an 
horn-, and then proceeded on our journey. V(e had 



299 



not gone far when we made a discovery that changed 
all our plans. Harding had been riding about a hun- 
dred yards ahead of the main party, when we ob- 
served him suddenly stop, bend clown, and then throw- 
ing up his hands, beckon us on. "We were soon up 
to the spot, asking in a breath what was the matter. 
He pointed *to the ground, and sententiousiy replied, 
"fresh Injun signP A consultation was held, and 
after an interchange of opinions, it was agreed that the 
trail was made by Apaches, and that from the tram- 
pled nature of the ground, it indicated the presence 
of a large party. ~We had no doubt as to their inten- 
tions. They were evidently bound south on their an- 
nual foray. Now was my time beyond peradventure. 
iS^ever could I have had such another opportunity ; 
perhaps even if I waited patiently for years. 

I briefly related to my companions the circumstan- 
ces of my capture, captivity, and subsequent escape, 
and asked their aid in rescuing my wife. Each 
grasped me cordially by the hand, and expressed their 
willingness to " see me through ; " and after a few mo- 
ments more spent in consultation, we agreed on the 
following plan : To push on at once and as speedily 
as possible for the Indian willage, secrete ourselves in 
the adjacent mountains until nightfall, and then leav- 
ing the horses concealed in the bushes that fringe the 
base of the mountain, advance on foot to the chief's 
lodge. Once within its portal, it would be the work 
of a moment to seek out my wife, apprise her of what 



300 



was transpiring, and quietly leading her out, hasten to 
our animals, mount, and ride away. This plan seemed 
feasible, and as moments were precious, we resumed 
the march. 

About noon we debouched through the mountain 
pass into a country of -f openings ; " small prairies 
bounded by jungly forests, and interspersed with tim- 
ber islands. These prairies were covered with tall 
grass; and buffalo signs appeared as we rode into 
them. "We saw their " roads," " chips," and "wal- 
lows." These signs filled us with pleasurable antici- 
pations; as who has not longed for the delicious 
" hump ribs," which, when once tasted in all their 
juicy richness, are never to be forgotten. The full- 
grown forms of the cadi were around us, bearing red 
and yellow fruit in abundance. We plucked the pears 
of the pita-haya, and ate them greedily ; in short, we 
dined on fruits and vegetables of many varieties, in- 
digenous only to this wild region. But our stom- 
achs longed for the favorite food, and we pushed on 
through the openings. We had ridden about an hour 
among the chaparral, when Harding, who was riding 
in advance, pointed downward, and intimated by signs 
that he had struck fresh buffalo tracks. Yery soon after 
the animals came in view, and by using the bushes as 
cover, we made a very effectual " surround," killing 
some three or four. That night we regaled ourselves 
on buffalo, and the following morning pushed on with 
renewed vigor, and in the best of spirits. 



301 



ls"ear evening on the fourth day following, we ar- 
rived at the foot of the Sierra; and directly in front 
of us, about midway up the valley, or pass, more prop- 
erly speaking, lay the Apache village. An exclama- 
tion of joy escaped my lips. At last, then, the hopes 
and longings of nine weary years were about to be sat- 
isfied. Ify reflections were abruptly terminated by 
Harding remarking that it was highly important that 
we seek cover and approach the village cautiously, if 
we expected our efforts to be crowned with success. 
All felt the justness of this observation, and seeking 
the cover of the mountain, we proceeded on our jour- 
ney. In a short time we had advanced as near as we 
deemed it prudent, until the night should close in. Our 
reins were tightened, and we sat on our weary horses, 
looking over the plain. A magnificent panorama un- 
der any circumstances lay before us ; but its interest 
was heightened by the peculiar circumstances under 
which we viewed it. The lodges were dotted over 
the plain in picturesque profusion, the smoke curling 
gracefully up in their dreamy spirals. One lodge 
stood apart, and from its size and decorations, we at 
once guessed it to be the abode of the chief. Harding 
confirmed our conjectures. Several droves of horses 
were quietly browsing on the open prairie. The sun 
was setting. The mountains were tinged with an am- 
ber colored light ; and the quartz crystals sparkled on 
the peaks of the southern Sierras. It was a scene of 
silent beauty. 



302 



We remained for some time gazing up the valley, 
without any one uttering his thoughts. It was the 
silence that precedes resolve. An hour has fled ; the 
sun sinks below the horizon, and the mountains take 
on a sombre hue. It is night. We urge our horses 
forward once more, keeping close to the mountain foot ; 
conversing in whispers, we crawl around and among 
the loose boulders that have fallen from above, and 
after an hour's ride we find ourselves opposite the town. 

The night passes slowly and silently ; one by one 
the fires are extinguished, and the plain is wrapped in 
the gloom of a moonless night. The swan utters its 
wild note, the gruya whoops over the stream, and the 
wolf howls on the skirts of the sleeping village. 

Dismounting, we gather in a little knot, and con- 
sult as to what plan we shall pursue. It is finally 
determined that Harding and myself shall penetrate 
into the village, enter the chiefs lodge, abduct my 
wife, and hastily rejoin our comrades, who will hold 
themselves in readiness to cover our retreat, and, if 
the worst comes te the worst, keep our pursuers at bay 
until we have made good our escape. 

Hastily divesting ourselves of all unnecessary accou- 
trements, we started out on the plain, and cautiously 
approached the chiefs lodge, which loomed up in the 
darkness like some hideous genii. 

An Indian dog that was lurking about the door 
gave the alarm, but Harding's knife entered his vitals 
ere he could repeat it. 



303 



Now was the critical moment. Drawing the flap 
aside that served as a door, I peered cautiously in ; all 
was silent ; a small fire was burning in the center of 
the lodge, its fitful gleam dimly illuminating the inte- 
rior. A number of low couches were ranged around 
the wall. 

But at this juncture a dilemma presented itself. 
Here were a number of women, one of whom was cer- 
tainly my wife ; but how was I to ascertain in which 
of these couches she reposed. If I should trust to 
chance, advance to the first one and peer in, and by so 
doing startle its inmate, even though that inmate were 
my wife, the peculiar nature of the visit would so 
startle her that she would not be enabled to recognize 
the intruder. 

However, I determined to approach the first bed 
and trust to the chapter of accidents for the rest. 
Advancing noiselessly to the side of the couch, I lifted 
the curtain of dressed buffalo hide. The fire cast a 
dim light over the face of the sleeper, and, oh, joy, it 
was the loved features of my wife. I tried to speak, 
whisper her name ; my tongue clove to the roof of my 
mouth. I trembled like an aspen, and had to grasp 
the bed for support. This movement awakened the 
sleeper, and with an half-suppressed exclamation, she 
sprung to a sitting posture. 

To breathe her name, clasp her in my arms, and 
rush for the door, was the work of an instant, and 
hastily snatching a robe that was suspended from the 



304 



side of the lodge, I enveloped her in it, and rapidly 
gained the cover of the mountain. In a few moments 
our party was in full gallop down the valley. 

Leaving the Indian village, we started with all 
speed on our return. I did not anticipate pursuit, and 
we made no attempt to conceal our trail. 

Indeed, my mind was so occupied with the grand 
fact that I had recovered my long-lost darling, that I 
thought of nothing else. As we rode along, each re- 
counted to the other the story of their toils, trials, 
and sufferings ; a thousand questions were asked and 
answered ; and in the joy of the present and hope for 
the future, we were for a time happy. 

About the middle of the forenoon we approached a 
thick chaparral, and were just entering it, when a 
party of about sixty Apaches suddenly rushed out 
from its leafy coverts, and with the rapidity of thought 
we were surrounded and captured. My wife was able, 
by her influence with the leader of the party, to save 
us from indignity, and a lengthy parley followed. I 
made known to the chief my desire to recover my 
wife, and endeavored to arrange some terms of pur- 
chase or barter. In this I was, after a time, success- 
ful, and, after an interminable siege of pipe smoking 
and discussion, relative to the price, we came to terms, 
and in a few minutes I had purchased my wife at the 
cost of all my worldly possessions. But I cared not 
for this ; on the contrary, I was only too glad to re- 
cover my wife at any cost, and felt no regret at parting 



305 



from the accumulations of two years of toil and hard- 
ship . 

Resuming our journey, we reached Santa Fe in 
safety, in a few deys, and commenced making prepa- 
rations for our return to the East. The kind-hearted 
Mexican women overwhelmed my wife with attentions, 
and she was soon provided with apparel more suitable 
than the barbaric, although beautiful, Indian costume. 
My principal difficulty was the want of money, and I 
was much perplexed to know how to secure a suffi- 
cient sum to enable us to return to our friends. It is 
probable that had I freely stated our circumstances 
and narrated our sad story, generous hearts might 
have been found among the many American miners 
and trappers sojourning in the town ; for many a noble 
heart beats beneath a rough and unpromising exterior ; 
but my pride shrank from appearing in the character 
of a mendicant, and I finally came to the conclusion 
that we must remain at Santa Fe for a time, until I 
could find some employment by which to earn suffi- 
cient means to enable us to return to our former home. 
I had forgotten the fact that I possessed a warm friend 
in Ned Harding, or, if I had thought of him in this 
connection, it was not with any idea that he could 
aid me. 

In this I was mistaken, as the sequel will show. On 

the third morning after my return, Ned called me out 

under pretence of taking a walk, and after strolling 

about for a time in silence, he opened his mind as fol- 

20 



306 



lows : " Well lad, what are ye goin' to do next ? I 
suppose you don't intend to stay here in this 'ere God 
forsaken hole, that these jailer-bellies calls a city ; the 
Lord forgive their ignorance; if they could only see 
Lunnon, once — well, as I was a savin', yon can't stay 
here, and you can't take your little girl back into the 
mining kentry, very well ; so what do you mean to do i 
let old Xed know, and don't go round, keepin' as close 
as an ister, and never savin' nothin' to nobody." Thus 
admonished, I forgot my reserve, and fully explained 
to him my dilemma. He listened in silence until I 
had finished, and then broke forth with — M Why, Lord 
bless ye, lad, yer gettin' foolish, certain, ho ! ho ! yer 
little woman has turned yer head, sure; why, yer for- 
got all about the mine, and I reckon there's rally 
enough to that to send ye home like a nabob, if you 
like to travel that way." 

" The mine ! " I exclaimed in surprise, u why Xed, 
I thought we had abandoned it altogether, you don't 
mean to tell me that I can realize anything from the 
claim ? " 

u You bet, I mean just that ; " said Harding, his 
features expanding into a broad grin as he marked my 
look of utter astonishment. " Why lad, if we were all 
agreed on the thing, I've got a party here that'll give 
us five thousand apiece for our claim — 1 ain't such a 
fool as I look, and it wa'nt for nothin' that I left Pete 
there a holdin' possession, and there he'll stay till he 
hears from me — so now if you're willin' to take five 



307 



thousand for your slier, just say the word, and we'll 
have it settled in no time." 

Further inquiry elicited the information that during 
the two days previous, while I had spent my time in 
unprofitable cogitation, Ned had been "kinder pros- 
pectin' round among the speckilaters," as he termed 
it, and had found parties willing and anxious to buy the 
claim held jointly by Ned, Pete Jackson, and myself, 
for fifteen thousand dollars in cash. Ned had brought 
with him some specimens of the quartz which he had 
shown to the intending purchasers, and some of which 
they had subjected to assay, and the result of this had 
determined them to buy the claim if everything could 
be satisfactorily arranged. 

It did not take me long to decide, in fact, I fairly 
jumped at the offer. The sum mentioned seemed a 
princely fortune at the time, and, in fact, to one in my 
situation it really was so, for wealth is but comparative, 
after all. The following morning the trade was 
arranged, the necessary papers drawn up, and Ned 
left the same afternoon for the mine in company with 
the buyers, to deliver the property and complete the 
transaction. In a few days he returned, and I soon 
found myself in possession of five thousand dollars in- 
gold coin, the largest amount of money I ever owned. 

I now hurried the preparations for our departure, 
and a few days later we joined an eastward bound 
train, and journeyed with it towards the rising sun ! 
With the details of our journey I will not weary the 



308 

reader, suffice it to say that we made the trip without 
trouble or molestation of any sort, and reached St. 
Louis in safety. How strange it all seemed, to walk 
about the streets of the great city of the West, and as 
the residents fondly term it " the future great city of 
the world ; " everything seemed so unreal, after the 
long years of my captivity and wild life among the 
mountains, that I used sometimes to fancy that it was 
all but a dream and I would presently awake to find 
myself again in the temple with T7akometkla, in that 
strange and far off land hidden among the mighty 
mountains of the Sierra Madre. 

We remained but a few days in the metropolis of 
the "West, and then journeyed to a point further east- 
ward, where my wife had relatives living, or at least 
supposed that some might yet be surviving. On our 
arrival we found such to be the case, and a joyful re- 
union was the result ; we being received as two risen 
from the dead. 

And now our cup of happiness was indeed full ; 
reunited after so long a separation and such bitter 
suffering we had returned at last to friends and 
home ! 

In conclusion, I can only express my thanks to those 
kind readers who have followed me patiently through 
all my wanderings, and listened to my simple, yet I 
hope not uninteresting narrative of the hardships and 
perils through which I have passed. 

If the story of our captivity has proved a source of 



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entertainment to the reader — if it haply excites a feel- 
ing of sympathy and interest for the many wretched 
captives who yet remain in a servitude worse than 
death among the rude tribes of the West — if it renders 
the general public more familiar with a region of 
which so little is known — if should chance to afford to 
those officials of our government, to whom the subject 
is relegated, any new views in reference to the proper 
method of dealing with the Indians — if it accomplishes 
any of these ends, I shall be more than repaid for my 
labor in its preparation. > 

My thanks are also due to my kind friend, Dr. 
Clark Johnson, without whose opportune aid this book 
would never have been written. 

And now kind reader, for the present at least, 
farewell. 



THE ESTD. 



TO THE PUBLIC. 



As there has been considerable inquiry concerning: the remedy to which 
allusion is herein made, I will, by way of explanation, make the following 
statement, which will relieve me from a large amount of correspondence 
with anxious inquirers. 

The remedy is the most remarkable purifier of the blood that I have ever 
known ; it is a tonic, a diuretic, a nervine, and a gentle laxative. It is 
alterative, sudorific, soporific, and deobstruent. 

These qualities, harmoniously blended into one single remedy, make one 
of the very best combinations which can possibly be taken into the human 
system. 

It is a very remarkable remedy in diseases of tho stomach. Dyspepsia 
cannot exist for any length of time if this remedy be taken as directed, 
instantly after eating. 

All Diseases of the Liver and Bowels readily succumb to its magic 
influence, while all nervous diseases and all diseases of the blood are 
speedily eradicated by the peculiar elements in its composition, which act 
directly upon such difficulties. 

TTe have thousands upon thousands of certificates from persons who have 
been afflicted with various maladies, and who have been cured by the use ol 
this remedy ; and I am, myself, frequently made surprised to leam what 
wonderful results follow the use of this medicine. 

The remedy, Dr. Clark Johnson's Indian Blood Syrup, is sold by 
agents in nearly every post-village in the United States ; bat wherever it 
happens that I do not have an agent, I shall be glad to make one, and would 
invite honorable persons to communicate with me upon the subject of an 
agency. 

1 require no money from agents except as the medicines are sold. 
Trusting that the afflicted will make a trial of this remarkable remedy, 
which has providentially fallen upon my notice, 

I am, with respect, 

Yours, truly, 

C. JOHNSON, 

Jersey City, 3T.e7 # 

My 1st, 1873. 



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